John Mulimba, the Minister of State for Regional Affairs, has reaffirmed Uganda’s dedication to the operations of the East African Community (EAC).
Expressing confidence in the efficacy of reconvening Council meetings, Minister Mulimba emphasized the importance of renewing momentum and commitments towards implementing EAC directives in a robust and timely manner.
The minister’s remarks were made during the 14th EAC Sectoral Council on Foreign Policy Coordination, which took place from April 21st to April 30th, 2024. This meeting, held at the Four Points by Sheraton in Dar-es-Salaam, focused on a joint session involving the 12th Sectoral Councils on cooperation in Defence Affairs, Interstate Security, and Foreign Policy Coordination.
Leading the Ugandan delegation to the 14th EAC Sectoral Council on Foreign Policy Coordination, Minister Mulimba was accompanied by key officials, including Oboth Oboth, Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Gen. David Muhoozi, Minister of State for Internal Affairs, and Amb. Richard Kabonero, representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, among others.
During the meeting, ministers reviewed the progress in implementing previous Council decisions and directives, assessed the status of ratification of the Protocol on Foreign Policy Coordination, Immunity and Privileges, and deliberated on the development of EAC Diaspora Policy and the EAC Regional Framework on Return and Reintegration of Stranded Migrants originating from EAC countries, among other agenda items.
Encouraging Partner States to uphold the calendar of activities for Sectoral Council meetings, Minister Mulimba highlighted the importance of maintaining commitment to these gatherings. The EAC Sectoral Council on Foreign Policy Coordination had not convened since 2015, underscoring the significance of this recent meeting in advancing regional cooperation and integration within the EAC framework.
