Integration: No favored presidential candidate yet

Jan 24, 2014

There is no particular candidate proposed to be the first president of East Africa Community (EAC), if the political integration is fully implemented.

By Apollo Mubiru & Francis Kagolo

There is no particular candidate proposed to be the first president of East Africa Community (EAC), if the political integration is fully implemented.


 East Africa Community Secretary General Dr. Richard Sezibera said discussions are being held and suggestions have been made on how best the president and the cabinet will be elected.

“Is there a candidate? The answer is no. We are having discussions on a transition arrangement and other important key issues for the integration,” Sezibera said.

Sezibera made the remarks on Friday morning while addressing New Vision editors as he paid a courtesy visit to the Vision Group headquarters in Kampala. He was responding to questions from the host team.true
Vision Group CEO Robert Kabushenga and editors pose for a photo with EAC boss Dr. Richard Sezibera. PHOTO/Martin Ndijjo.trueDr. Richard Sezibera was hosted on Urban TV, Vision Group's English TV station trueVision Group CEO Robert Kabushega showing Dr. Sezibera printing machines in the factory.   truetrueDr. Dr. Sezibera stressing a point.PHOTO/Martin Ndijjo

He was accompanied by several officials from the EAC secretariat including the head of corporate communications and public affairs, Richard Owora.

Sezibera condemned South Sudan rebels for trying to solve political problems with the gun.He said fighting is never the answer for political confusions and should not be tolerated.

“An elected government should not be overthrown except through elections,” he stated.

The group is in the country for the two-week East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) sitting.

Fighting in South Sudan broke out between rival army units in the capital Juba on December 15, with President Salva Kiir accusing his sacked deputy Riek Machar of attempting a coup.

The secretary general spoke at length about EAC’s achievements including the one-stop border posts which he said have simplified the clearing of goods at borders.

This, he explained, has reduced the cost of doing business in the region.

Vision Group Chief Executive Officer, Robert Kabushenga, implored the EAC secretariat to consider developing an open sky policy in the region to reduce the cost of air travel.

He also asked the secretary general to organise meetings with media personalities in each of the partner states especially during special occasions like EALA sittings.

According to Kabushenga, the move will enhance visibility of EAC affairs and help in the integration process.



   

 

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