By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
Namisindwa LC5 Chairman, Bwayo Emma has called on East African Community (EAC) Partner States to bridge the gap between signed regional protocols and their actual implementation.
He urged member states to safeguard the livelihoods and safety of citizens from neighbouring countries and remove unnecessary non-tariff barriers that continue to hinder the free movement of goods, services, labour and capital across the region.
Speaking during the MP Connect Fellowship and related East African youth leadership sessions, Bwayo said the Common Market Protocol and Customs Union already provide a strong legal framework for regional integration. However, he noted that persistent administrative bottlenecks, repeated inspections, differing standards and delays continue to frustrate young entrepreneurs and increase the cost of doing business.
Bwayo raised concern over the number of Ugandan nationals who have died while in neighbouring countries. He said that, within a period of five months, he had received more than 83 bodies through the Lwakhakha border post in his district.
He said the situation raises questions about access to adequate healthcare and the level of support available to Ugandans living, working or conducting business in neighbouring EAC Partner States.
Bwayo noted that although the deaths may not necessarily be directly linked to deliberate neglect, the high cost of healthcare and health insurance remains a major challenge, particularly for young Ugandans who travel to Kenya in search of economic opportunities.
He called for stronger regional mechanisms to protect the health and welfare of citizens moving across EAC borders.
Bwayo also called for fairer trade regulations between Partner States. He argued that Kenyan traders are able to purchase goods from Uganda, including directly from farmers, while Ugandan traders often face restrictions when attempting to conduct similar activities in Kenya.
He urged Ugandan Members of Parliament to fast-track discussions on health insurance arrangements and other regional mechanisms that can protect the health, safety and welfare of Ugandans travelling to other EAC Partner States.
Kassanda South MP Hon. Hajji Abdul Bisaso pledged to follow up on the concerns raised by Bwayo. He also called on fellow legislators to embrace the initiative, stressing that the livelihoods and welfare of Ugandans should remain a key priority.
The diplomatic and peer-learning engagement is being conducted under the umbrella of the MP Connect Fellowship, an initiative organised by Faraja Africa. The programme is designed to support young leaders in strengthening their legislative capacity, improving parliamentary practice, expanding strategic networks and promoting cross-border cooperation within the East African Community.
