On Tuesday, 29th January 2025, Kampala International University (KIU) welcomed Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs, for a public lecture themed ‘EAC @ 25: Achievements, Challenges, and the Journey Ahead.’
The lecture aimed to raise awareness about East African Community (EAC) integration and provide students with valuable insights into the community’s vision, mission, and goals.
Prof. Muhammed Ngoma, KIU Vice Chancellor, extended a warm welcome to the EAC delegates, led by Rt. Hon. Kadaga, on behalf of the university. Other distinguished attendees included Dr. Mundu Musafa, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Ms. Christine Ainebyoona, Campus Administrator, Dr. Jacob Ashibi, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, EAC representatives, and students.
During his address, Prof. Ngoma highlighted KIU’s status as Uganda’s leading private university, emphasizing its contribution to higher education and research. “We are honored to host you at one of the top universities in East Africa. KIU has a university in Tanzania and two campuses in Uganda—the main campus in Kansanga, Kampala, and the Western Campus in Ishaka, which serves as a hub for Medical and Engineering Sciences,” he said.
Dr. Andrew Musiime, Director in Uganda’s Ministry of East African Community Affairs and Acting Permanent Secretary, provided an overview of the EAC’s progress. He reflected on the milestones achieved since the signing of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community in 1999, which came into effect in 2000 after ratification by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Rt. Hon. Kadaga emphasized that the EAC will mark its 25th anniversary on 30th November 2025. “What started as a partnership between three nations—Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania—has now expanded to eight member states,” she stated.
Despite notable achievements such as enhanced trade and visa-free travel, challenges persist. Hon. Kadaga acknowledged that intra-EAC trade remains relatively low due to non-tariff barriers imposed by partner states. “Most partner countries engage more in trade with the European Union than with each other. However, efforts are being made to eliminate these barriers and uphold the commitment to the EAC Customs Union Protocol,” she noted.
Addressing regional security, Hon. Kadaga discussed the ongoing instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). She highlighted that the East African Community Regional Force, deployed in 2022, initially helped stabilize the region. However, DRC’s decision not to renew the force’s mandate has led to renewed conflict, particularly with the M23 rebels in eastern DRC.
As the EAC continues to evolve, Hon. Kadaga expressed confidence in the community’s future. “Progress is gradual, but we are heading in the right direction. Under the Common Market Protocol, work permits should no longer be required in partner states, and while we have made strides, significant progress has only been achieved for students,” she explained.
To conclude the event, Rt. Hon. Kadaga presented a gift to KIU Vice Chancellor Prof. Ngoma as a token of appreciation for the university’s role in fostering regional integration discussions.
