__________________

The minister of state for Regional Affairs, John Mulimba, has reiterated Uganda's commitment and resolve to the operations of the East African Community (EAC).

"I am confident that re-convening of Council meetings will renew the impetus and commitments to the implementation of EAC directives in a robust and timely manner," the minister said.

He made the remarks at the 14th EAC Sectoral Council on Foreign Policy Coordination which kicked off on April 21st, 2024, and concluded on April 30th, 2024 a meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers at the Four Points by Sheraton in Dar-es-Salaam.

The programme of work session was the joint meeting of the 12th Sectoral Councils on cooperation in Defence Affairs, Interstate Security, and Foreign Policy Coordination.

Mulimba led the Ugandan delegation to the 14th EAC Sectoral Council on Foreign Policy Coordination included Oboth Oboth, Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, John Mulimba, Minister of State for Regional Affairs, Gen. David Muhoozi, Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Lt. Gen. Joseph Musanyufu, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Internal Affairs, Amb. Richard Kabonero (representing the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Amb. Ann Katusiime, Uganda Consul General in Arusha, and Senior officials.

The Ministers reviewed the progress of implementation of the previous Council decisions and directives, the status of ratification of the Protocol on Foreign Policy Coordination, Immunity and Privileges, and consideration of the development of EAC Diaspora Policy as well as the EAC Regional Framework on Return and Reintegration of Stranded Migrants originating from EAC countries, among others.

The Minister encouraged Partner States to remain committed to the calendar of activities of the Sectoral Council meetings. The EAC Sectoral Council on Foreign Policy Coordination was last held in 2015.