Ssenyonyi emphasizes strong institutions for true East African integration

Joel Ssenyonyi, Uganda’s Leader of the Opposition, has emphasized the critical role of strong institutions in achieving meaningful East African Community (EAC) integration. Speaking at the EAC Parliamentary Week, Ssenyonyi argued that the success of regional integration hinges on establishing bodies that foster public trust and effectively serve the populace.

He stressed that tangible benefits for ordinary citizens should be the true measure of integration’s success, rather than the quantity of agreements signed. “Regional integration, at its core, is not about treaties, protocols, or institutions. It is about whether a trader can move goods across a border without unnecessary delay, whether a young graduate can find work in another partner state without wading through endless paperwork, and whether a business or a family can look beyond their national borders and see opportunity rather than obstacles,” Ssenyonyi stated.

To realize the EAC’s vision, Ssenyonyi urged member states to bolster their institutions, ensuring they operate with transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to citizen needs. The EAC Parliamentary Week serves as a forum for legislators and stakeholders to deliberate on deepening regional integration, harmonizing laws, and advancing the community’s agenda.

This discussion was originally reported by Nile Post.