EAC releases draft communication strategy

 By Patrick Jaramogi

There is inadequate communication of the East African Community initiatives geared towards mobilising and creating awareness of regional cooperation strategic interventions among the civil society, a senior Ministry of East African Affairs (MEACA) official has said.

Abubaker Moki, the Assistant Commissioner Economic Affairs, made the remarks during a Uganda National Civil Society communication strategy on East African Community Regional Cooperation and integration process meeting held at Colline Hotel in Mukono.

The two day meeting was organised by the Southern and Eastern Africa Trade Information and Negotiation Institute (SEATINI).

Moki pointed out that despite the important role civil societies play in the EAC regional cooperation and integration processes, there is inadequate communication of its initiatives geared towards mobilising and creating awareness of the strategic interventions of the EAC regional cooperation among the civil society.

“We need this communication strategy so that the civil societies know the EAC processes to enhance their participation,” said Moki. He noted that it was sad that 12 years down the road, most Ugandans were not yet aware of the EAC regional integration despite being the drivers of the programme.

Moki said the East African Community Treaty is not all about trade, but a series of sectors. He noted that the EAC encompasses other sectors which all need to be incorporated so as to enhance the integration process.

Lina Asiimwe, the SEATINI program officer, noted that the strategy is instrumental in facilitating exchange of information among the civil society organisations for their benefit of the EAC regional cooperation and integration.

“We feel the civil societies have not been so much engaged in the EAC integration process. We are increasing awareness and civil society participation in the EAC processes,” said Asiimwe.

She pointed out that the forum will be influential in communicating key benefits, opportunities, challenges and milestones.

Fred Walulya from MicroJustice Uganda said a lot of grassroot awareness was lacking to project the EAC issues.

“We need more communication and awareness at the grassroot levels,” said Walulya.

He reiterated the need to increase access to information. “If we are to make a strategic communication plan, the beneficiaries need to get feedback,” he said.