The Ministry of East African Community Affairs (MEACA), under the leadership of Commissioner of Economic Affairs Leo Kizito Ojara, has convened a pivotal stakeholders’ engagement in Nakasongola District aimed at sensitising the community on the benefits of East African Community (EAC) integration.
Held at the district headquarters, the meeting brought together a diverse group of leaders, including district officials, Members of Parliament, religious leaders, Parish Development Model (PDM) SACCO heads, farmers, and other critical stakeholders.
The key objective of the engagement was to empower local communities with knowledge on accessing regional markets, trade policies, and cross-border opportunities under the EAC framework.
“This engagement is part of MEACA’s broader mission to ensure that even rural communities like Nakasongola are not left behind in the East African integration journey,” said Commissioner Leo Kizito Ojara.
“We are here to demystify the EAC, highlight its opportunities, and prepare communities to take advantage of them.”
Local leaders welcomed the initiative, noting its potential to transform livelihoods through regional trade. Sam Kigula, the LC5 Chairperson of Nakasongola District, applauded MEACA’s outreach and encouraged farmers to rise to the challenge.
“MEACA’s coming to this district means that it's real. We are one, and the market is enlarging, so productivity must be rising,” said Kigula.
“Through the good leadership of our district, we should wake up and work. Nakasongola already has over 23 industries, and that’s why the government gave us an ‘Industrial City Status’ even without us asking implying we must increase production and create more employment.”
The forum placed strong emphasis on the Parish Development Model, guiding beneficiaries on how to tap into the regional value chains.
Godfrey Oundo Ongwabe, National Chairperson of Cross-Border Trade, urged farmers to adopt modern trading methods and focus on value addition.
“Africa has over 1.3 billion consumers waiting for supply,” Ongwabe noted. “Farmers and producers must embrace digital platforms such as the government’s trade portal, which helps locate country-specific demand and offers favorable pricing.”
However, Ongwabe stressed the importance of maintaining high product standards.
“Do proper harvesting and ensure your products are market-fit. Add value before selling and form cooperatives to access regional markets and government support,” he advised.
Language proficiency was also highlighted as a key factor in fostering regional trade. Stakeholders were urged to learn officially recognized EAC languages English, Kiswahili, and French to enhance communication across borders.
Charles Senyimba, District Councillor of Wabinyonyi Sub County, raised critical concerns about Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs), such as inadequate market information, complex customs procedures, and inefficient documentation, which he said were hindering effective trade.
In response, MEACA assured stakeholders that efforts are underway to address these barriers. “We are not seated about it,” Ojara stated.
“Through the Ministry of Trade, we are implementing the NTB Reporting Tool that enables traders to report challenges directly. We are also engaging consistently with partner states to resolve these differences.”
As the East African Community pushes towards deeper economic, political, and social integration, forums like the Nakasongola engagement are instrumental in equipping grassroots communities with the tools and knowledge needed to actively participate in the regional economy.
The EAC continues to advocate for a unified market to enhance sustainable development, promote regional trade, and foster stronger cooperation among partner states.