EAC MINISTER KADAGA, DISCUSSING REGIONAL CHALLENGES AND THE ROLE OF EDUCATION IN EAST AFRICA’S FUTURE
Kampala, Uganda – On January 29, 2025, Kampala International University (KIU) proudly hosted Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs, for a public lecture titled “EAC @ 25: Achievements, Challenges, and the Journey Ahead.” The event, marking the 25th anniversary of the East African Community (EAC), brought together a diverse audience of students, faculty, and EAC officials, as the lecture delved into the region’s progress and ongoing challenges.
Prof. Muhammed Ngoma, KIU’s Vice Chancellor, welcomed the distinguished guests, emphasizing the university’s critical role in shaping East Africa’s academic and professional landscape. “KIU, with its campuses across Uganda and Tanzania, stands at the forefront of higher education in the region, particularly in areas of science, technology, and leadership development,” he said. KIU has been a cornerstone institution in advancing educational excellence and fostering regional integration through its diverse academic offerings and strong research initiatives.
Dr. Andrew Musiime, Director of Uganda’s Ministry of East African Community Affairs, reflected on the EAC’s growth, highlighting the progress made since its formation in 2000 and its expansion from three partner states to eight today. He acknowledged the EAC’s role in promoting economic integration but also stressed the ongoing challenges it faces in trade and security.
Rt. Hon. Kadaga’s lecture focused on both the achievements and the hurdles the EAC continues to face as it celebrates 25 years of regional cooperation. Despite significant strides, such as improved trade and freer movement of people, Kadaga underscored that intra-EAC trade remains low due to non-tariff barriers between countries. She urged continued efforts to eliminate these obstacles and strengthen economic ties within the region. “To realize our full potential, we must remove these barriers and deepen cooperation across all sectors,” Kadaga remarked.
A major concern addressed during the lecture was the ongoing instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a crucial issue for regional security. KIU students expressed their concerns about the conflict in eastern DRC, where M23 rebels have escalated their hold over key cities like Goma. Kadaga discussed the EAC’s role in peacekeeping through the deployment of the EAC Regional Force and emphasized the importance of a long-term strategy to ensure stability in the DRC. “We must continue to support the DRC and work toward lasting peace for the entire region,” Kadaga asserted.
As KIU celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, Prof. Ngoma reflected on the university’s contributions to regional development, highlighting its diverse academic programs and the significant impact it has had on students from across East Africa and beyond. “KIU has positioned itself as a leader in providing world-class education that empowers the next generation of leaders, professionals, and innovators in East Africa,” he said.
In closing, Kadaga presented a symbolic gift to Prof. Ngoma in recognition of KIU’s contributions to the educational advancement of East Africa. She also praised the university for its commitment to shaping future leaders who can tackle the challenges of the region.
The EAC’s 25th anniversary will be celebrated later in 2025 under the theme: “EAC @ 25: Promoting Trade, Sustainable Development, and Peace and Security for Improved Livelihoods.” The community now comprises eight partner states: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
