Parliament’s Committee on East African Community (EAC) Affairs has called for the approval of Shs3.2Bn for the integration of Kiswahili Language activities in Uganda.

Noeline Kisembo (Kibaale District Woman MP), the Chairperson of the Parliament’s Committee on EAC Affairs argued that although efforts have been made to integrate Kiswahili language in Uganda, in FY 2024/25, the activity remains unfunded with a funding requirement of Shs3.25Bn.

“For purposes of deepening and widening the integration in the region, Kiswahili language should be popularized as a way of integrating and unifying communities. The Committee recommends that Shs3.25Bn be provided to the Ministry to enable the Ministry fast-track the 27th EAC Summit Directive to implement the activities under Kiswahili integration,” Kisembo said.

The Judiciary and Cabinet are conducting Kiswahili training sessions, and for that matter, Naome Kibaaju (Sheema North MP) has asked Parliament to provide Kiswahili lessons to MPs in order to foster the EAC integration.

“As leaders here, if we intend to start using Kiswahili in our Parliament, we need classes in Kiswahili to begin. Understand there are some lessons taking place at the NRM Secretariat, but that is congested and not conducive for learning. I wish we could have it in one of our rooms here at Parliament,” she noted.

Peter Okeyoh (Bukooli Island MP) notes that Kiswahili is not one of the compulsory languages in our education system. "Why do we preach about water and take wine? Let us lead by example. Let us prioritize Kiswahili as one of the languages in our schools. This will help cement the East African Community."

The East African Community (EAC) Secretariat is set to conduct a high-level sensitization mission at selected borders within the region aimed at reviewing the performance of the various One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs).

Scheduled to commence on 9th April, 2024, the mission underscores the EAC's commitment to fostering cooperation, enhancing trade facilitation, and improving cross-border procedures.

The primary objective of the mission is to follow up on the performance of OSBPs, identify areas for improvement, and assess the implementation of agreed action plans.

Through engagement with various stakeholders including Officers in Charge of the OSBPs; customs, immigration, standards, and port health officers; as well as representatives of other border agencies, cross-border traders, and local government authorities, the EAC Secretariat aims to address challenges and streamline processes at these critical facilities.

Selected borders and mission dates are as follows:

  • Nimule/Elegu, South Sudan side – 9th April, 2024
  • Mutukula/Mutukula, Uganda side – 12th April, 2024
  • Rusumo/Rusumo, Rwanda side – 15th April, 2024
  • Kobero/Kabanga, Burundi side – 16th April, 2024
  • Namanga/Namanga, Tanzania – 19th April, 2024

The mission will take place at the respective OSBPs ensuring comprehensive coverage and engagement.

The EAC Secretariat underscores the significance of continuous sensitization and capacity-building efforts at EAC borders. Similar missions are planned for other OSBPs in the months of June and July 2024, reaffirming the commitment to enhancing awareness and compliance with cross-border procedures.