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Egos, unfair trade shake EAC as DR Congo eyes entry Frederic Musisi Once upon a time, the East African Community (EAC), a six-member regional bloc of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda and South Sudan – admitted in 2016 – was both vibrant and buoyant. Not just to keen observers, but anyone could tell it had a sense of purpose. What exactly happened is a long story. But it began with Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda forming a loose association, which has since fizzled out, within the bloc. Along came a series of happenings, including trade wars and political disagreements, partly exacerbated by egos between Uganda and Rwanda, Rwanda and Burundi, and now Kenya and Somalia, which is also seeking entry into the bloc. Then the endless trade wars. It became monotonous to follow and the bloc became a floating object. Some members started defaulting on their financial commitments and the secretariat soon ran of cash to run operations. The 2019/2020 financial year
Daily Monitor
Sunday March 07 2021
L-R: Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Tanzania’s John Pombe Magufuri and their Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame in Arusha, Tanzania, in March 2016. PHOTO/ FILE
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Once upon a time, the East African Community (EAC), a six-member regional bloc of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda and South Sudan – admitted in 2016 – was both vibrant and buoyant. Not just to keen observers, but anyone could tell it had a sense of purpose.
What exactly happened is a long story. But it began with Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda forming a loose association, which has since fizzled out, within the bloc.
GULU
Northern Uganda’s peace process looks to be on its last legs. Talks have all but collapsed between Uganda’s government and the troublesome rebel Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), as both sides take to the bush to resume full hostilities. But have they really blown their last chance for peace? It is eight months since the Ugandan government and LRA first decided to talk to each other. For 16 years, all they had ever exchanged was gunfire. Then on 14 July 2002, the rebels held a landmark seven-hour meeting with representatives of the local Acholi Religious Leaders’ Peace Initiative (ARLPI). They said they wanted to open negotiations with the government – negotiations which could finally end Uganda’s longest, bloodiest civil conflict to date. Present were Vincent Otti, Sam Kolo and Caesar Acellam, three of the LRA’s most senior members. “We had another meeting on the 21st [July],” explains Father Carlos Rodriguez, a chief negotiator who has been in contact with the L
But a brave face of those calling the shots – and pushing him forward. We need to believe Mr Museveni when he tells us he doesn’t want to be in power. He has had a good life – and would undoubtedly enjoy a good one if he peacefully left office.
There is no reason why after 35 years in power, at 76, one still braves the stresses and insults that come with the presidency. I am getting convinced Museveni is not as obsessed with the presidency as he is made to appear. In truth, Museveni too, needs liberation from those clearly pumping up his ego to appear he is greedy for power.