Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs….Photo/File
NAIROBI, Kenya (IP)
Persistent language barriers and the absence of a common currency remain key obstacles to seamless trade within the East African Community, even as the bloc moves to harmonize communication and financial systems to deepen regional integration.
Uganda has stepped up efforts to bridge the communication gap by introducing free Kiswahili lessons in Kampala, where more than 2,000 children have already graduated, with plans underway to expand the program nationwide, officials said.
The community has adopted Kiswahili and French as official languages while advancing plans for a single currency, measures aimed at easing cross-border transactions and improving cooperation among member states.
Against this backdrop, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga said major transport infrastructure upgrades are underway to further unlock trade potential across the region.
Kadaga, Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, announced significant progress in the development of Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) networks and road infrastructure.
The projects are intended to reduce transport costs, improve efficiency and facilitate cross-border trade.
She made the remarks Thursday during commemorations of East African Community Week in Sironko District under the theme “Deepening Integration for Improved Livelihood of East African Community Citizens.”
Kadaga said several regional railway projects are underway, including the Mombasa–Malaba–Kampala–Kasese line extending to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Other developments include expansion of the northern route from Tororo to Gulu, Nimule, Pakwach and Vura, as well as southern and western corridors linking Kampala to Mbarara, Rwanda, Burundi, Mirama Hills and Kasese.
She also highlighted key road projects such as the Kapchorwa–Suam–Kitale road linking to the Eldoret Bypass, providing a shorter route to Nairobi and strengthening trade between Uganda and Kenya, particularly at the Suam border.
Kadaga said goods valued below $2,000 are exempt from taxes at border points, although awareness among traders remains low.
James Magode Ikuya said the outreach in Sironko is aimed at engaging local communities and ensuring their views are reflected in the regional integration agenda.
Meanwhile, Edith Nsajja Mwanje emphasized the four pillars of integration — the Customs Union, Common Market, Monetary Union and Political Federation — as key drivers of trade and cooperation.
The event aligns with broader efforts to accelerate integration within the bloc following Yoweri Museveni assuming the chairmanship of the EAC Summit in March 2026.
