Category: Uncategorized

Biden Pardons Son

The outgoing United States President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, on Sunday night, sparing him a possible prison sentence for federal felony gun and tax convictions.

Biden, who is set to exit office in January 2025, said he had issued the presidential pardon for his son due to a 'miscarriage of justice'.

Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, on Sunday night, sparing him a possible prison sentence for federal felony gun and tax convictions.

The 82-year-old alleged that Hunter’s treatment was politically motivated by his opponents.

'The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election,' Biden said in a statement.

The move has, however, sparked controversy as he had earlier pledged not to use the extraordinary powers of the presidency for the benefit of his family.

Incoming Head of State Donald Trump fiercely condemned the move, terming it an 'abuse and miscarriage of justice'.

Citing the conviction of the January 6 Capitol riots, Trump asked whether they too would be pardoned.

'Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!' he wrote.

Besigye Returns to Court

Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye and his close ally Obeid Kamulegeya are set to appear in a martial court in Kampala today after a week in remand.

The two had been remanded at Luzira prison following their controversial arrest in Nairobi by Ugandan authorities last month. The authorities accuse them of engaging in activities that undermine Uganda’s security.

Kizza Besigye and his close ally Obeid Kamulegeya were ast week remanded at Luzira prison following their controversial arrest in Nairobi by Ugandan authorities last month.

The suspects are represented by a team of 50 lawyers led by renowned Kenyan lawyer and former Justice Minister Martha Karua.

The star-studded legal team includes representatives from notable organizations such as the Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU) and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ).

It remains to be seen whether Besigye and his co-accused will be granted bail, given that they are facing serious charges, including soliciting logistical support, identifying military targets in Uganda with the intent to undermine the security of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and illegal possession of two pistols and eight rounds of ammunition.

Ugandan Nationals Arrested in India for Operating Brothel

Two Ugandan nationals are being held by police for operating a brothel in the Indian city of Hyderabad.

The two Ugandan women and a local customer were arrested on Saturday night following a raid by the Hyderabad Commissioner’s Task Force at a flat in Nagarjuna Nagar of Tarnaka.

The suspects were identified as Nayebare Doreen aged 42 years, Komuhangi Ritah (22) and Potturi Anjan Kumar (45).

The investigation showed that Doreen rented the premises about four months ago and used online services like 'Locanto’ to advertise the brothel.

Authorities say that to mislead potential customers, they would initially provide a Secunderabad location before revealing the actual address in Nagarjuna Colony.

Tanzania opposition youth leader abducted from bus station

Police in Tanzania are probing the alleged abduction of Abdul Nondo, the youth leader of the opposition.

The ACT Wazalendo party reported that Nondo was kidnapped by unidentified individuals at a bus station in Dar es Salaam, the country’s largest city.

Abdul Nondo had been campaigning in the west of the country before travelling to Dar es Salaam.

Police have confirmed that a man was abducted early on Sunday morning by two people in a white four-wheel-drive vehicle. While the victim’s identity has not been officially confirmed, law enforcement officials noted that a bag containing personal items thought to belong to Nondo was found at the scene.

Rwanda’s Progress and Challenges in the Fight Against HIV

Rwanda observed World AIDS Day on December 1 with a renewed commitment to tackling the HIV epidemic under the theme, “End AIDS, My Responsibility.”

The country has made significant strides, achieving the UNAIDS 'Triple 95' targets by ensuring that 97% of people living with HIV have access to life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Rwanda observed World AIDS Day on December 1 with a renewed commitment to tackling the HIV epidemic under the theme, “End AIDS, My Responsibility.”

Despite this progress, challenges remain. Rwanda reports an HIV prevalence of 2.7% among people aged 15-49 and 0.5% among children under 15, according to Dr. Vanessa Mupenzi, the Director of HIV epidemiology, surveillance and research at Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC).

An estimated 230,000 Rwandans live with HIV, with 3,200 new infections annually. However, strong leadership and universal health coverage have significantly reduced HIV-related deaths to 2,600 each year.

IGIHE

However, the environmental impact of mining, including land degradation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss, has become a pressing concern. A recent national dialogue focused on the importance of integrating sustainability into mining practices to ensure long-term economic and environmental stability.

The dialogue, attended by key stakeholders, emphasized that mining, while beneficial, poses serious environmental risks. Faustin Vuningoma, the Coordinator of the Rwanda Climate Change and Development Network (RCCDN), highlighted the need to align mining policies with climate change goals.

'Mining must not only drive economic growth but also respect environmental limits,' Faustin said, stressing the importance of ensuring that mining activities contribute to sustainable development without compromising the health of ecosystems or the well-being of local communities.

Key environmental issues such as destruction of habitats due to mining and clearing large areas of forest, disrupt biodiversity and reduces carbon sequestration. Additionally, mining activities can lead to soil erosion, water contamination, and the depletion of resources that are essential for local agriculture.

Thus, there is need of conducting thorough environmental impact assessments for all mining projects. These assessments can help identify potential risks to the environment and local communities before mining begins.
The government must ensure that these are rigorous, comprehensive, and enforced.

Faustin Vuningoma is the Coordinator of the Rwanda Climate Change and Development Network (RCCDN).

According to Faustin Munyazikwiye, Deputy Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), the assessments should be followed by strict monitoring throughout the life of the project.
'Effective monitoring is essential to ensure that companies adhere to environmental guidelines and mitigate risks because effective environmental governance is crucial.' he said.

'We need to strengthen environmental regulations to ensure that all stakeholders remain accountable for their impact of mining on the environment. Rehabilitation of mining sites and the restoration of ecosystems that have been affected by mining activities is paramount,' Munyazikwiye stated.

He emphasized that land restoration should be mandatory after mining operations have concluded, but sometimes companies should be not responsible for the long-term health of the environment.

Dzapasi Mashizha, a Mineral Processing Expert at the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), noted that mining practices must evolve to address these challenges.

The dialogue was attended by key stakeholders in the mining sector.

'Technologies that reduce the environmental impact of mining, such as water recycling and cleaner energy solutions, are essential to minimizing the sector’s footprint,' Mashizha explained.
He advised mining companies need to invest in innovative technologies that promote resource efficiency and environmental protection.

According to experts like Mashizha, community engagement is a critical factor for sustainable mining.
'Local communities must be educated about their obligations and the environmental risks of mining. And also be given a voice in decisions that affect their livelihoods and the local environment in general.' he said.

As it stands, there is need for policy reform to better align mining practices with environmental and climate change objectives by reviewing Rwanda’s 2010 mining policy to ensure it reflects the country’s current environmental goals.

Faustin Munyazikwiye is Deputy Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA).

'We need a policy framework that supports the integration of environmental and climate change considerations into all aspects of mining. This will help ensure that the benefits of mining are sustainable for future generations,' Munyazikwiye said.

Overall, sustainable mining practices are essential for Rwanda’s continued economic development. By implementing effective environmental regulations, adopting cleaner technologies, and engaging local communities in decision-making, the country can ensure that its mining sector contributes to both economic prosperity and environmental conservation.

Mining must not only drive economic growth but also respect environmental limits.

Sam K Nkurunziza

Karua made the remarks on Sunday, December 1, 2024, while responding to social media reports that Ugandan authorities had rejected her application for the crucial document.

She confirmed that she is already in Kampala ahead of the mention of the case against Besigye and his close ally, Obeid Kamulegeya, who are currently in remand following their controversial arrest in Nairobi by Ugandan authorities in mid-November. The authorities accuse them of engaging in activities that undermine Uganda’s security.

'I am hopeful of getting the license and already in Kampala,' Karua wrote on X.

Karua was recently appointed to lead a team of 50 lawyers in mounting a spirited defence for the two men, who were apprehended in the Kenyan capital while attending the launch of her book on November 16, 2024. She took over the lead role from Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.

The star-studded legal team includes representatives from notable organizations such as the Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU) and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ).

'This team is a demonstration of our commitment to justice,' Lukwago stated during a past press conference. 'Hon. Martha Karua has graciously agreed to lead this team, and her extensive legal expertise will be invaluable in this fight against what we believe are politically motivated charges.'

Lukwago also explained that arrangements were underway to obtain the temporary practising certificate required for Karua to participate in legal proceedings in Kampala, in accordance with Uganda’s Advocates Act.

He noted that, as Kenya is part of both the East African Community and the Commonwealth, the process is expected to proceed without hitches.

'We’ve already submitted Karua’s application and are confident it will be finalized swiftly. For now, the legal team will be attached to Lukwago and Company Advocates to ensure seamless collaboration between Ugandan and Kenyan lawyers,' he added.

Besigye and Kamulegeya were arraigned in a military court in Kampala on November 20 and remanded until December 2 on charges of soliciting logistical support and identifying military targets in Uganda, intending to undermine the security of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and illegal possession of two pistols and eight rounds of ammunition.

Kenyan lawyer and former justice minister Martha Karua says she is hopeful of securing a temporary practising license to lead the defence team in the trial of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Based on comprehensive data from 29 countries representing 85 percent of global production in 2023, global wine production for 2024 is estimated between 227 million and 235 million hectolitres, the OIV said in its 2024 World Wine Production Outlook on Friday.

Global production in 2024 would be 13 percent lower than the ten-year average, the OIV said, adding that it could probably be the smallest global output since 1961.

According to the outlook, France, the leading wine producer in 2023, has recorded the most significant decrease in production compared to the previous year, largely due to challenging weather conditions across the country.

Italy, however, is about to take over France and become the world’s largest producer in 2024.

In the Southern Hemisphere, the OIV predicted that wine production volumes would remain low in 2024, a result also mainly caused by climatic conditions. It would mark the region’s lowest output in two decades.

The OIV, established in 1924, is an intergovernmental organization with a scientific focus and its competence is widely recognized concerning vines, wine, wine-based beverages, table grapes, raisins, and other vine-based products.

This year, the organization accepted China’s application for membership on November 14.

Based on comprehensive data from 29 countries representing 85 percent of global production in 2023, global wine production for 2024 is estimated between 227 million and 235 million hectolitres, the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) said in its 2024 World Wine Production Outlook on Friday.

Xinhua

The two-day forum, co-organized by the Government of Rwanda and TradeMark Africa (TMA), will bring together Heads of State, government officials, development partners, academicians, multilateral organizations, and private sector leaders from 14 TMA implementation countries and beyond.

TMA focuses on promoting trade and regional integration across a range of countries, including Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Eritrea. These nations form the core of TMA’s efforts to enhance trade facilitation, reduce barriers, and drive economic growth through innovative projects and partnerships.

Held under the theme ‘Digital Trade,’ this year’s forum will highlight transformative digital trade practices and technologies. The forum will be officially opened at the Kigali Convention Centre by Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Édouard Ngirente.

According to the organizers, key discussions will explore the interoperability of digital payments, the use of distributed ledger technology (DLT) and artificial intelligence in trade processes, and the role of automation in supporting green trade initiatives. The sessions aim to address leveraging technology to streamline trade facilitation, enhance policy frameworks, and foster sustainable development across Africa.

This marks the first time the forum will be held in Rwanda, following previous editions in Kenya (2011, 2012, 2014, and 2019) and Uganda (2018).

David Beer, CEO of TradeMark Africa, emphasized the forum’s significance in advancing Africa’s economic prosperity.

'TradeMark is driven entirely by generating practical results to remove trade barriers and drive up exports within and from Africa. While we have seen serious progress from trade facilitation interventions in the last decade, there is another big step forward to take,' he said.

'The 2024 forum will focus on propagating digitization successes more widely and introducing cutting-edge technologies. We look forward to sharing lessons and presenting innovative ideas to help governments and the private sector further drive down the cost and time of trade.'

The forum is expected to drive Africa’s trade integration, leveraging digital solutions to build sustainable, seamless trade systems that enhance regional and global competitiveness.

This year’s conference will culminate in the development of the Africa Trade Development Forum Kigali Declaration, which will capture the key insights and decisions arising from the event’s discussions.

Additionally, TradeMark Africa (TMA) is set to unveil the Trade Facilitation Flagship Document, a report that outlines emerging trends in Africa’s trade facilitation and showcases innovative technologies designed to streamline and enhance trading processes.

The Africa Trade Development Forum will be officially opened at the Kigali Convention Centre by Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Édouard Ngirente.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The Africa Report is a Paris-based, English-language quarterly magazine focusing on African politics and economics, founded by Patrick Smith two decades ago.

In its first ranking of African cities, the pan-African media platform recognized Kigali as Africa’s second most inviting, livable, and investment-friendly city.

South Africa’s Cape Town and Johannesburg claimed the first and third spots, followed by Morocco’s twin cities of Casablanca and Rabat. Nairobi, Kenya, ranked sixth.

Other cities in the top 10 include Alexandria, Cairo, Abidjan, and Accra. Additional rankings feature Lagos, Dakar, Gaborone, Addis Ababa, Tunis, Lusaka, Cotonou, Oran, Kampala, Abuja, Lomé, Algiers, Douala, Yaoundé, Luanda, Maputo, Harare, Kinshasa, Libreville, and Ouagadougou.

The report highlights progress made by urban centres while identifying areas for growth, using a comprehensive survey of readers and foreign direct investment data to provide insights into Africa’s evolving urban landscape.

Kigali has previously been recognized for its ease of doing business, driven by streamlined regulatory processes, transparent governance, and supportive policies for entrepreneurs and investors.

The Kigali Convention Center has become a hub for international business meetings and conferences.

The city also boasts a clean, orderly environment thanks to initiatives like monthly Umuganda community cleanups and strict waste management systems, earning it a reputation as one of Africa’s cleanest capitals.

In addition, Kigali embraces innovation with tech hubs, smart city initiatives, and a growing startup ecosystem fostering creativity and modern solutions, making it an attractive destination for both business and living.

Kigali is home to BK Arena, a multi purpose indoor venue that hosts a range of events, from sports to concerts.

In July, Kigali was ranked among the top five favourite destinations for travellers visiting Africa and the Middle East. It moved up four spots from ninth place in the World’s Best Awards 2024, behind Marrakesh, Cape Town, Jerusalem, and Dubai, respectively.

The awards, organized by Travel + Leisure, a New York City-based travel magazine, consider traveler experiences to rank the world’s top cities based on parameters such as sights/landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping, and value.

Amahoro Stadium in Kigali is a state-of-the-art facility known for hosting major sports events, concerts, and other large gatherings.

In the 2024 edition, voters described Kigali as a beautiful and well-organized hub with friendly and helpful residents.

'Amazingly clean and progressive city! I felt safe walking all over,' wrote one voter. 'There is a wide variety of cuisine available and amazing coffee.'

Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, has been named the second most attractive city in Africa in the inaugural city rankings by The Africa Report and its sister publication, Jeune Afrique.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

A venture that exemplifies AfDB’s commitment to sustainable development and innovation, this initiative has not only elevated Rwanda’s healthcare and education systems but has also set a benchmark for regional growth and excellence.

The vision behind CEBE is rooted in addressing critical gaps in healthcare, particularly in biomedical engineering, e-health, and rehabilitation sciences.

As an integral part of the UR, the center’s objectives align closely with Rwanda’s national development agenda: advancing education, improving healthcare services, and fostering research-based solutions to tackle real-world challenges.

Key infrastructure developments have been the backbone of CEBE’s transformation. A six-story, 6,300-square-meter facility now houses state-of-the-art laboratories, specialized equipment, and academic spaces dedicated to research and learning.

This infrastructure is more than just is a hub of innovation that empowers students, faculty, and researchers to create solutions that improve lives.

A six-story, 6,300-square-meter facility now houses state-of-the-art laboratories, specialized equipment, and academic spaces dedicated to research and learning.

One of the beneficiaries of this initiative, Jackline Gatsinzi Mupenzi, shared her story during the AfDB’s 60th-anniversary celebrations.

“In 2014, I began my journey in prosthetics and orthotics with a vision to empower persons with disabilities. Thanks to the AfDB’s investment in CEBE, I was able to further my education and refine my skills,' she said.
Today, Gatsinzi is not just a professional, she is an advocate for dignity and independence, equipped to bring transformative change to her community.

Gatsinzi’s story is one of many, highlighting how access to quality education and resources can empower individuals to drive meaningful change in their communities.

CEBE’s impact extends beyond individuals to influence broader systems. Over 680 professionals; including students, faculty, and health practitioners have benefited from scholarships, training programs, and research opportunities supported by AfDB.

Women constitute 40% of these beneficiaries, highlighting a commitment to inclusivity and gender equity. These professionals are now contributing to Rwanda’s healthcare system, designing assistive technologies, and addressing critical healthcare challenges, particularly in underserved areas.

A vision for growth

Since its establishment, CEBE has achieved remarkable milestones, positioning itself as a cornerstone of Rwanda’s healthcare and education sectors.

Its accomplishments include groundbreaking research, innovative projects, and the creation of specialized training programs among others.

The center has spearheaded over 40 research projects, with several breakthroughs in e-health and rehabilitation technologies. Projects such as digital rehabilitation solutions and mobile health platforms for managing chronic diseases are revolutionizing healthcare delivery in Rwanda and beyond.

On the other hand, CEBE has equipped hundreds of students and practitioners with specialized skills in biomedical engineering, rehabilitation sciences, and digital health.

These individuals such as Gatsinzi’s, are now leading innovations in healthcare, from developing new medical devices to improving patient care systems.

Beyond its physical structure, the center boasts cutting-edge biomedical laboratories and specialized equipment that rival international standards. These facilities not only support education but also foster research that addresses Rwanda’s unique healthcare challenges.

Despite these successes, the journey has not been without challenges. The initial phases of CEBE faced hurdles such as site relocation, delays in procuring specialized equipment, and the unforeseen disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, AfDB’s support and the resilience of the Rwandan government ensured these obstacles were overcome. The project now stands as a testament to perseverance and strategic collaboration.

Prof. Celestin Twizere, the Rector of CEBE explains that the center stands as a shining example of the transformative impact of the AfDB as it addresses critical gaps in healthcare and education.

CEBE focuses on biomedical engineering, e-health, and rehabilitation sciences. With AfDB’s support, the center has grown into a hub of innovation, driving advancements in technology and healthcare.

“Our mission is to empower professionals with the skills to solve real-world problems in healthcare and beyond. With this support, we are building a hub where technology and medicine converge to improve lives and transform communities,” he said.

Hundreds of students and professionals have so far developed groundbreaking research projects and equipped its facility with state-of-the-art technology. These achievements are paving the way for Rwanda to become a leader in healthcare innovation.

Moving forward, Prof. Twizere expresses optimism about the center’s future; “The center aims to bridge the gap between education, research, and healthcare innovation. With continued investment, we envision Rwanda becoming a leader in biomedical engineering and e-health, not just in Africa, but globally,” he acknowledged.

One of CEBE’s most ambitious goals is to address the shortage of specialized infrastructure and certified biomedical professionals in Rwanda.

According to recent government reports, there is a significant gap in the availability of accredited healthcare facilities and skilled practitioners.

CEBE aims to fill this void by training more professionals, developing high-quality research outputs, and fostering collaborations that drive sustainable solutions.

The African Development Bank remains a pivotal partner in this journey. With its continued support, CEBE is poised to become a global center of excellence, attracting talent and investments while contributing to Rwanda’s Vision 2050 goals of creating a high-income, knowledge-driven economy.

A legacy of hope and opportunity

The story of CEBE is a reflection of the AfDB’s 60-year legacy of empowering communities, fostering innovation, and transforming lives. Through its strategic investments, this has not only elevated Rwanda’s healthcare and education sectors but also inspired a generation of change makers ready to shape Africa’s future.

As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, the words of Jackline Gatsinzi Mupenzi resonate deeply.
“The AfDB’s support has given us the tools to make a difference, not just for today, but for generations to come. Thank you for believing in us and for investing in a brighter future for Africa,” she says.

The African Development Bank’s partnership with Rwanda is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when vision meets action.

As CEBE continues to grow, its impact will ripple far beyond Rwanda, inspiring a new era of innovation and progress across the continent.

IGIHE

Among the many influential participants at this year’s event, Rwanda will emerge as a standout destination with its own dedicated booth. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB), along with over 15 of the country’s top tour operators, will showcase the rich potential of Rwanda as a luxury destination. With a focus on sustainable tourism and a commitment to providing authentic, immersive experiences, Rwanda is positioning itself as a must-visit destination for travelers seeking the best of both adventure and relaxation.

Rwanda’s presence at ILTM 2024 is a testament to the country’s growing appeal as a luxury travel hub. The country’s stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and thriving cultural heritage make it a prime location for luxury safaris, exclusive cultural experiences, and high-end accommodations. ILTM offers Rwanda an ideal stage to demonstrate its eco-friendly approach to tourism while attracting a global audience of travel advisors and industry influencers.

One of the key highlights of ILTM is the opportunity for face-to-face meetings with an exclusive group of 1,850 highly qualified luxury travel advisors from around the world.

These carefully selected buyers are experts in the luxury travel sector, providing Rwanda with the chance to build valuable relationships and promote its offerings to a global audience. Additionally, the event attracts some of the most influential personalities in the luxury travel market, including renowned editors, freelancers, and social media influencers.

For Rwanda, this presents an unparalleled opportunity to strengthen its international brand presence and connect with those who can help elevate its status on the global stage.

ILTM 2024 is more than just a business event; it is a celebration of luxury travel, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the French Riviera. The event features elegant evening networking opportunities where participants can forge lasting connections in a relaxed and picturesque environment. For those looking to maximize their ILTM experience, the event encourages early preparation, including creating a detailed profile and collaborating with an account manager to ensure the most effective exhibition strategy.

In addition to its business opportunities, ILTM also provides a platform to highlight the incredible tourism potential of destinations like Rwanda. As the country continues to develop its luxury tourism sector, the Rwanda team’s participation in Cannes will help cement its place as a rising star in the luxury travel industry.

Some photos showcasing Rwanda’s participation at ILTM Cannes 2024

[email protected]

Karirima Aimable Ngarambe

Ruto was appointed at the 24th Summit of EAC Heads of State in Arusha, Tanzania.

Initially, there were expectations that President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo would assume the chairmanship. However, Tshisekedi was absent from the summit and did not send a representative.

Ruto will lead the EAC until the 25th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State next year. The 24th Ordinary Summit convened the region’s leaders to discuss critical issues shaping the future of East Africa.

This summit, held under the theme of the EAC’s 25th Anniversary, also served as a platform to reflect on the achievements of the past 25 years and plan for deeper regional integration.

Key agenda items included strengthening economic resilience, advancing peace and security, and promoting initiatives to boost intra-regional trade and development.

The election of President Ruto was confirmed on Saturday, following a vote by the Heads of State from the seven EAC member countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, and Somalia.

After assuming chairmanship, Ruto took the opportunity to commend President Salva Kiir for his successful leadership of the community over the past year.

“Congratulations, Your Excellency; you made all of us proud,” Ruto said. “Under his leadership, the EAC has made immense strides in deepening integration and achieving progress in key areas that define our shared aspirations. His efforts and dedication deserve our utmost gratitude.”

Ruto also pledged to work closely with other regional leaders to advance the mission and vision of the community.

IGIHE

According to the EAC Secretariat, the Summit of EAC Heads of State acknowledged that the establishment of a Federation was first agreed upon in 1963 by the EAC’s Founding Fathers—President Jomo Kenyatta (Kenya), Dr. Apollo Milton Obote (Uganda), and Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere (Tanganyika, now Tanzania). However, it was noted that the bureaucrats entrusted with advancing this goal failed to follow up on the matter.

It was noted that Tanganyika and Zanzibar went ahead to form the United Republic of Tanzania, adding that the federation should be extended to transform the region into one as envisaged by the three Founding Fathers.

The Summit members were speaking on November 29, 2024 at the Arusha International Conference Grounds in Arusha, Tanzania during the High-Level Side Event on the EAC’s 25th Anniversary.

The EAC leaders further agreed on the need to fully operationalise the Customs Union and Common Market protocols to enhance intra-regional trade which is still relatively low.

In his remarks, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said that EAC should be celebrating more than 1,000 years of trade interconnectedness within the region instead of focusing on the achievements of the past 25 years only.

President Museveni said that East Africa’s Coastal, Great Lakes and Lake Victoria Basin regions were a Connected Trade Area (CTA) interlinked by trade routes along the current Central and Northern Transport Corridors extending all the way to Mesopotamia in present day Iraq. The partition of Africa into spheres of influence in 1884 by the European colonial powers disconnected the CTA by segmenting it into separate countries.

'The colonial powers succeeded due to the region’s internal weaknesses. We became a DTA — disconnected trade area. Kenyatta, Obote and Museveni took the bold step to form the East African Federation in 1963 in a brave effort to dismantle this DTA,' said President Museveni.

'However, some actors let us down and did not follow up on the three President’s idea of forming a political federation. Tanganyika linked up with Zanzibar to form the United Republic of Tanzania, which played a significant role in liberating southern Africa from the yokes of colonialism,' said President Museveni.

President Museveni said that the formation of the East African Federation would have forestalled Idi Amin’s ascendancy to power in Uganda, solved in good time the problems Burundi and Rwanda, and mitigated the internal conflicts in the Federal Republic of Somalia and South Sudan that caused much suffering to the people of the two countries.

President Museveni affirmed that Uganda was fully committed to promoting free trade in East Africa and was against the practice of banning products, delicensing products to deny them market access or protecting markets to limit competition for locally produced commodities.

On his part, Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto said that a survey taken way back in 2010 indicated that East Africans were fully behind the integration process and supported the establishment of a political federation.

President Ruto hailed the Republics of Burundi, Uganda and Kenya, which have already undertaken national consultations on the drafting of the constitution for the EAC Political Confederation, and thanked Rwanda, South Sudan and Tanzania for having set dates for national consultations on the process.

President Ruto said that EAC was the foremost regional economic community in Africa with intra-regional trade standing between 25 — 28%, which is the highest in Africa.

On trade, President Ruto disclosed that more Partner States were benefiting from the share of intra-regional trade with Tanzania having overtaken Kenya in terms of the volumes of intra-regional trade.

The Kenyan Head of State underscored the importance of peace and security as prerequisites for local and foreign direct investment, adding that it should be a collective responsibility of Partner States to keep the region peaceful and to invest in its stability.

President Ruto said that towards that end, Kenya had provided a forum for South Sudan’s political actors to talk to one another in order to stabilise the country. Kenya was also working with Somalia and Uganda to reduce tension and stabilise the Horn of Africa region.

President Ruto said that Kenya was in agreement with the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s desire to merge the Luanda and Nairobi peace process under the Luanda process, adding that Kenya had no reservations with the Nairobi Process mediator, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, being enjoined to the Luanda process.

Speaking at the event, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan underscored her country’s commitment to promoting environmental conservation and combating climate change through transition to clean energy and an aggressive afforestation programme.

On his part, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said that his country’s entry into the EAC was the culmination of a long desire to join her neighbours in East Africa as part of a robust economic and political entity.

Also present at the event were Burundian Vice President Prosper Bazombanza, EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva, Ministers, Members of the Diplomatic Community, Development Partners, among other delegates.

EAC heads of state have agreed to expedite the establishment of a political federation as the fourth and ultimate stage in the EAC integration.

Théophile Niyitegeka