In a historic move to bolster regional economic integration and private-sector collaboration, Uganda’s Simon Kaheru, Oscar Kamukama, Bruce Mpamizo, and Kenneth Ayebare have been elected to key leadership roles in the East African Business Council (EABC). These appointments were made during the 23rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on December 13, 2024, in Arusha, Tanzania.
Uganda’s Key Appointments
Simon Kaheru, representing the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), will serve as Vice Chairperson of the EABC. He is joined by:
- Oscar Kamukama from Steel and Tube Industries,
- Kenneth Ayebare from the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), and
- Bruce Mpamizo of Movit Products Limited.
Together, they will represent Uganda in the newly constituted Governing Council and Executive Committee, emphasizing Uganda’s commitment to fostering regional economic growth and integration within the East African Community (EAC).
Focus on Regional Economic Growth
These leaders bring a wealth of experience and a shared vision for eliminating trade barriers, promoting cross-border investment, and advancing private-sector interests across the region. Their election underscores Uganda’s active role in shaping the EAC’s economic policies and integrating private-sector stakeholders.
Other notable appointments from EAC member states include:
- Hon. Olivier Suguru from Burundi as Vice Chairperson,
- Jas Bedi from Kenya,
- Dennis Karera from Rwanda, and
- Angelina Ngalula from Tanzania.
These appointments reflect a united effort to leverage diverse expertise in fostering economic collaboration.
Notable Figures in the Governing Council
The Governing Council boasts influential business leaders such as:
- Rajan Shah, former Chairperson of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM),
- Clifford Machoka, Senior Director for Public Affairs at Coca-Cola East and Central Africa,
- Linda Kalimba Mulenga from Trinity Lawyers (Rwanda), and
- Kennedy Lodiong Kenyi from the Association of South Sudan Manufacturers.
These representatives highlight the regional diversity and shared commitment to economic integration.
Major Highlights from the AGM
The AGM served as the EABC’s highest decision-making body, reviewing achievements from 2023/24 and outlining strategic goals for 2024–2026. Key outcomes included:
- Leadership Elections: The newly elected team pledged to advance the council’s mission of creating a borderless East Africa for business and investment.
- MEMARTs Amendments: Approval of amendments to the Memorandum and Articles of Association (MEMARTs) introduced a Governing Council to enhance decision-making processes.
- Economic Focus: The Chief Guest, Mr. Frank Mbando, urged private-sector leaders to invest in Arusha, emphasizing opportunities in edible oil, textiles, and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Vision for the Future
In his acceptance speech, newly elected Chairperson Mr. John Lual Akol Akol of South Sudan’s National Chamber of Commerce pledged to uphold the council’s mission. “The EABC remains committed to removing trade barriers and advancing a unified regional market for the benefit of all,” he affirmed.
Achievements and Renewed Goals
The meeting celebrated milestones such as the reduction of non-tariff barriers and initiatives to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Secretary to the EABC Board, Mr. Adrian Njau, highlighted the council’s renewed focus on creating an enabling environment for private-sector growth.
“With the new leadership, we are poised to accelerate regional integration and create opportunities for private-sector growth,” he stated.
A Collaborative Future
The 23rd AGM concluded with a firm commitment to collaboration among member states, paving the way for stronger trade, investment, and economic prosperity across the EAC. Uganda’s influential presence in the council marks a significant step toward achieving these ambitious goals.
The elected leaders, alongside their counterparts from other member states, are set to shape the future of regional economic integration, ensuring that the EAC remains a dynamic hub for trade and investment.
