Big Blow to Kadaga’s Ministry as MPs Reject Request of Shs1.4 Billion for EAC Sensitization

The Budget Committee has rejected a Shs1.4 billion request from the East African Community Affairs (EAC) Committee for sensitization and public awareness by the Ministry of East African Community Affairs in the fiscal year 2023/2024.

This occurred during a meeting in which the EAC Committee Chairperson, Hon. Noeline Kisembo, presented the Budget Framework Paper for the Ministry of East African Community Affairs on January 17, 2023.

She stated that the approved funds of Shs720 million are insufficient, citing visibility as one of the Ministry of East African Affairs’ main issues.

“Many Ugandans are unaware of the importance of EAC integration and how to benefit from it,” she said.

The utilization of billboards, according to her deputy, Hon. Abdi Fadhir Chemaswet, is meant to spread awareness of the EAC integration.

“We both believe that the EAC is not well known if we travel to many areas of Uganda. They would tell you that they do not comprehend EAC if you travel to Karamoja. Only the border districts comprehend, according to Chemaswet.

According to Hon. James Kaberuka (Kinkizi County West), the government should invest in promoting trade in East Africa rather than continuing to spend money on sensitization.

“What you do has a bearing on the visibility issue. Billboards won’t promote EAC; we must make sure we take action because it is not for leisure. We must teach traders how to take advantage of opportunities,” he stated.