Museveni Urges East African Economic Integration, Welcomes New Envoys

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has recently stressed the critical need to strengthen the East African Common Market. Speaking at State House, Entebbe, while accepting credentials from four new Heads of Mission, the President cautioned that protectionist trade practices and elevated tariffs among regional partners are detrimental to economic integration and deny citizens the full benefits of a unified market.

During his discussions with Kenya’s High Commissioner-designate, Amb. Ababu Namwamba, President Museveni highlighted the importance of East African nations deepening their economic ties by dismantling trade barriers. He noted that imposing high taxes and restrictions on goods moving between Kenya and Uganda weakens the common market, ultimately affecting ordinary citizens and businesses.

President Museveni drew parallels with the United States’ growth, suggesting East Africa should emulate its expansion from a few states to a consolidated economic powerhouse. He cited Uganda’s own policy of allowing Tanzanian rice imports, despite calls for a ban from local producers, as an example of prioritizing regional integration over short-term protectionism. This decision, he explained, was based on four strategic reasons: preventing harm to Tanzania’s economy, ensuring affordability for Ugandan consumers, encouraging local producers to improve competitiveness, and reinforcing the principles of the East African Common Market.

The new envoys, including Kenya’s Amb. Ababu Namwamba, South Korea’s Amb. Sangho Lee, Tanzania’s High Commissioner-designate Maj. Gen. Marco Elisha Gaguti, and Namibia’s High Commissioner-designate Gabriel Pandureni Sinimbo, all pledged to enhance bilateral relations and cooperation with Uganda.

Amb. Namwamba specifically committed to prioritizing commercial diplomacy to boost trade between Kenya and Uganda. Ambassador Lee of South Korea expressed intentions to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, acknowledging the long-standing contributions of Korean professionals to Uganda’s development.

President Museveni assured the new diplomats of Uganda’s support and reiterated the nation’s commitment to international cooperation, peaceful diplomacy, and expanding partnerships for shared development and regional stability.

This ceremony formally recognized the new ambassadors and high commissioners, marking the commencement of their official duties in Uganda. The event was attended by the Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs and other senior government officials.