On December 13, 2024, during the 23rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the East African Business Council (EABC) held in Arusha, Tanzania, Uganda achieved a remarkable milestone as Simon Kaheru, Oscar Kamukama, Bruce Mpamizo, and Kenneth Ayebare were elected to significant leadership roles. Their appointment underscores Uganda’s commitment to fostering regional economic integration and driving private-sector growth across the East African Community (EAC).
Key Ugandan Appointments
Simon Kaheru, representing the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), was elected as Vice Chairperson of the EABC, highlighting his extensive experience in manufacturing and business advocacy. He will serve alongside Oscar Kamukama of Steel and Tube Industries, Bruce Mpamizo of Movit Products Limited, and Kenneth Ayebare from the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), all of whom will represent Uganda in the newly established Governing Council and Executive Committee.
Their leadership roles are pivotal in shaping the region’s economic agenda, advocating for the elimination of trade barriers, enhancing cross-border investments, and amplifying private-sector interests within the EAC framework.
Regional Representation in the EABC
The 23rd AGM also saw the election of leaders from other member states, reflecting the diversity and collaborative spirit of the EAC. Key appointees include Hon. Olivier Suguru from Burundi as Vice Chairperson, Jas Bedi from Kenya, Dennis Karera from Rwanda, and Angelina Ngalula from Tanzania. These leaders bring a wealth of expertise across various industries, fostering regional economic collaboration.
The Governing Council now features notable business figures such as Rajan Shah, former Chairperson of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, and Clifford Machoka, Senior Director for Public Affairs at Coca-Cola East and Central Africa. Rwanda’s representation includes Linda Kalimba Mulenga of Trinity Lawyers and Emmanuel Nkusi from Bank of Kigali.
South Sudan is represented by Kennedy Lodiong Kenyi of the Association of South Sudan Manufacturers and Mou Ambrose Thiik from Trinity Group, while Tanzania’s delegation includes Ashish Mistry of ALAF Group and Satbir Singh from Hanspaul Group of Companies.
Achievements and Future Agenda
The AGM, the EABC’s highest decision-making body, reviewed key accomplishments from 2023/24 and set strategic goals for 2024–2026. A major highlight was the adoption of amendments to the Memorandum and Articles of Association (MEMARTs), leading to the creation of a Governing Council to streamline decision-making processes.
The Chief Guest, Mr. Frank Mbando, Assistant Regional Administrative Secretary representing Hon. Paul Makonda, lauded the EABC’s efforts in integrating the private sector to catalyze regional economic growth. He urged business leaders to explore investment opportunities in Arusha, particularly in the edible oil and textile sectors. Mr. Mbando also highlighted the potential economic benefits of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2027), which will be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
Leadership Commitments
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairperson, Mr. John Lual Akol Akol, representing South Sudan’s National Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, pledged to uphold the EABC’s mission of creating a borderless East Africa for trade and investment.
“The EABC remains committed to removing trade barriers and advancing a unified regional market for the benefit of all,” he stated, emphasizing the council’s dedication to regional integration and collaboration.
Progress in Regional Integration
The AGM celebrated the EABC’s achievements in reducing non-tariff barriers and promoting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the EAC economy. According to Mr. Adrian Njau, Secretary to the EABC Board, the new leadership aims to accelerate these efforts, creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
“With the new leadership, we are poised to accelerate regional integration and create opportunities for private-sector growth,” Mr. Njau noted.
Conclusion
The 23rd AGM concluded with a resounding commitment from all member states to enhance trade, investment, and economic prosperity across the East African Community. With Uganda’s active participation and leadership roles within the EABC, the future of regional economic integration looks promising.
This historic event underscores the power of collaboration and the shared vision of creating a borderless East Africa where businesses can flourish.
