#Ministry of EAC Affairs

Rt. Hon. @RebeccaKadagaUG Kadaga chaired an Inter Ministerial Committee meeting on the effective utilisation of resources allocated for road construction under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme on October 15, 2026. The meeting brought together ministers, government agencies and technical staff to review implementation progress and agree on measures to strengthen delivery. Convened following Cabinet Minute No. 325 (CT 2025), the committee reviewed updates on road construction, drainage infrastructure, walkways and market development across participating local governments. Discussions also focused on challenges affecting implementation, including political interference, right-of-way issues and the relocation of water and electricity infrastructure. Members underscored the need for adequate funding for utility agencies and considered future transport and infrastructure interventions, including rapid bus transport, commuter railways, cable cars and sewerage management. The meeting highlighted the importance of coordinated government action, accountability and effective utilisation of public resources to improve mobility and infrastructure across Greater Kampala and to ensure timely delivery of planned national development priorities. The committee will meet again for final discussions before presenting its recommendations to Cabinet for further consideration and appropriate action.

Some goodbyes are difficult, not because the journey has ended, but because the journey meant something. As Mr. Godfrey Kaima moves on from his role as Under Secretary at the Ministry of East African Community Affairs, we celebrate a chapter of service, shared experiences, and relationships that will remain with us. Mr. Kaima, wherever duty takes you next, remember that you may leave the office, but you do not leave the memories you created or the people whose journey crossed with yours. Thank you for your service. May God walk before you, bless the work of your hands, and grant you success in your next assignment. Farewell and Godspeed, Mr. Kaima.

Kadaga to African Governments: Stop Writing Strategies, Start Delivering Digital Trade KAMPALA: First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for @meaca_ug , Rt. Hon. @RebeccaKadagaUG , has challenged African governments to move beyond policies and accelerate implementation of a functional digital single market. Speaking at the 9th @kta_law Annual Africa Technology and Intellectual Property Symposium, Kadaga said Africa already has sufficient strategies, but remains constrained by slow implementation, inadequate financing and weak follow-through. “What we lack is not paper. What we lack is speed, money and follow-through,” she said. Kadaga identified four priorities: cheap and instant cross-border payments, mutual recognition of digital identities and electronic signatures, simplified customs procedures for small parcels, and harmonised consumer protection with online dispute-resolution systems. She pledged that Uganda would track commitments under the EAC E-Commerce Strategy, keep digital trade on the @jumuiya Council of Ministers’ agenda, and press for firm timelines on payment interoperability and consumer protection. Kadaga also urged the private sector to invest in data centres, cybersecurity, last-mile delivery and interoperable payment systems, stressing that governments cannot build Africa’s digital economy alone. Her message was clear: Africa must replace promises with delivery. @EUinUG

Mental Health Key to East Africa’s Future, Kadaga Tells Regional Summit By Bishop samuel "The future of East Africa will not be shaped only by the roads we build or the trade we grow. It will be shaped by the minds of our people," Rt. Hon. @RebeccaKadagaUG told delegates as she officially opened the Second East African Mental Health Summit at Speke Resort Munyonyo. Addressing ministers, policymakers, health experts, development partners and civil society leaders from across the region, Kadaga underscored the importance of mental health as a cornerstone of the @jumuiya’s development agenda. She noted that East Africa's greatest resource is its people and emphasized that a healthy and productive population is essential for achieving the aspirations of EAC Vision 2050. The summit provided a vital platform for Partner States to exchange experiences, strengthen cooperation and develop regional solutions to growing mental health challenges. With increasing cases linked to conflict, displacement, unemployment, substance abuse and social pressures, such forums are critical in shaping coordinated policies and ensuring mental health remains a priority across East Africa. In her capacity as Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga also directed Members of the @EA_Bunge who attended the summit to begin work on a comprehensive regional Mental Health Policy that will be presented to future Council of Ministers meetings for consideration. The move reflects a growing commitment by the Community to place mental well-being at the centre of regional integration, human capital development and sustainable economic growth. @MakeStrongMinds

When @jumuiya stands united, our potential knows no borders. #AFCON 2027 is our opportunity to showcase not only our sporting excellence but also our shared vision, collective ambition, and commitment to a brighter future for our people. Let unity be our strength and cooperation our lasting legacy! #NewWeekNewGrace

KADAGA PLEDGES ACTION ON DECADE-LONG DISABILITY BILL DELAY. By Bishop Samuel Rt. Hon. @RebeccaKadagaUG , Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, concluded her tour of duty at the 1st Meeting of the 5th Session of the @EA_Bunge in Arusha, Tanzania, with a renewed commitment to advance regional inclusion for persons with disabilities. During the sitting, members considered key motions on regional value chains, the East African Political Confederation, hazardous pesticide management, and the rights and accommodation of persons with disabilities. The debate on the motion urging Partner States to promote the rights of and provide reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities stood out as the most compelling. Members passionately revisited a legislative proposal that has remained pending for nearly a decade, calling for urgent action to address barriers faced by persons with disabilities across the region. Moved by the depth of debate and the Assembly’s united voice, Rt. Hon. Kadaga assured members that the matter would be presented before Council meetings for consideration and follow-up. She emphasized that the Council remains committed to advancing policies that promote equality, dignity and full participation of all East Africans in the integration process. As the session drew to a close, Kadaga reaffirmed the Council’s resolve to transform Assembly resolutions into tangible action, underscoring that an inclusive @jumuiya can only be achieved when no citizen is left behind.

1st Meeting | 5th Session. The heat is on at @EA_Bunge as Members task the Council of Ministers to explain why the disability bill has not translated into meaningful implementation “Inclusion cannot remain a promise on paper!” Rt. Hon. @RebeccaKadagaUG. Chairperson of the Council of @jumuiya Ministers, is in the House today to respond as Members demand decisive action to protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities across the Community. The house is presided over by Rt. Hon. Joseph Ntakirutimana of Burundi

Kadaga Champions Regional Priorities at EAC Headquarters. Rt. Hon. @RebeccaKadagaUG continued her official programme from her designated office at the @jumuiya Headquarters in Arusha. During the morning, she received a courtesy visit from the President of the @EACJCourt, Hon. Justice Nestor Kayobera, who was accompanied by officials from the Court. Later, acting in her role as Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, Kadaga joined Members of the @EA_Bunge during proceedings in the Chamber. The House deliberated on key regional matters, including haemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders, the growing challenge of unhealthy food environments and ultra-processed foods, the strengthening of Regional Centres of Excellence in health, and the promotion of inclusive regional value chains. While presenting the Council of Ministers’ position on the issues under consideration, Kadaga was widely commended by EALA Members for her steadfast advocacy of the recruitment, participation, and empowerment of persons with disabilities across the region. In recognition of her efforts, Members responded with a standing ovation and warm applause. The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for @meaca_ug remains in the United Republic of Tanzania on official duty, advancing Uganda’s regional agenda and reinforcing cooperation among EAC Partner States. #AFCON27

Kadaga Leads High-Level EALA Mission to Review Tanzania's AFCON 2027 Infrastructure Readiness Rt. Hon. @RebeccaKadagaUG, Uganda’s Minister @meaca_ug and Chairperson of the @jumuiya Council of Ministers, today joined Members of the @EA_Bunge in Arusha for a high-level engagement with officials of the Government of @tanzania and contractors overseeing the construction of the Arusha Stadium. The meeting formed part of EALA’s oversight mission to assess the state of preparedness for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania under the East Africa Pamoja Bid. In her remarks, Rt. Hon. Kadaga emphasized that AFCON 2027 is more than a sporting event, describing it as a strategic opportunity to deepen regional integration, strengthen cooperation among Partner States, and showcase East Africa’s collective potential. She called for continued coordination, accountability, and timely implementation of key infrastructure and support systems required for a successful tournament. Rt. Hon. Kadaga remains in the United Republic of Tanzania on a seven-day working visit and will continue participating in a series of EAC activities, all of which are progressing according to schedule.

RT @RealBishopsam: The road to host @afcon2025 #Arusha @tanzania #WorkinProgress @EA_Bunge

#UgandaAt64 #UgandaIndependence #Uganda #PearlOfAfrica #VisitUganda #UgandanTikTok #UgandaNews

Kadaga Warns Against Threats to Ugandans, Demands Respect for Citizens and Businesses Across East Africa By Bishop Samuel KAMPALA, October 7, 2026 "Good neighbourliness must never mean silence where the safety, dignity and lawful economic interests of Ugandan citizens are threatened." With those words, Rt. Hon. @RebeccaKadagaUG, Uganda's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for @meaca_ug , delivered a firm message that Uganda will continue safeguarding the interests of its citizens while remaining committed to regional integration and peaceful coexistence within the @jumuiya." Addressing a press conference in Kampala, Kadaga responded to growing concerns over allegations that some Ugandan nationals living along the Uganda-Kenya border are being registered to participate in Kenya's 2027 General Election, as well as reports indicating that Ugandan-owned small and medium enterprises are facing closure and operational restrictions in South Sudan. Kadaga categorically stated that Uganda has no role in Kenya's electoral processes and does not interfere in the internal affairs of neighbouring states. She emphasized that the responsibility for voter registration, voter eligibility and electoral integrity rests entirely with Kenyan institutions operating under Kenyan law. While reaffirming Uganda's respect for Kenya's sovereignty, she warned against attempts to turn unverified allegations into collective suspicion against Ugandans living and working in Kenya. She noted that communities along the border share deep historical, cultural, family and commercial ties that should not be jeopardized by political disagreements. The Minister further condemned threats, intimidation and any form of violence targeting Ugandan citizens based on allegations that have not been lawfully established, stressing that electoral integrity and the protection of human life must go hand in hand. Turning to South Sudan, Kadaga said government had received concerns from Ugandan traders and investors regarding business closures and restrictions affecting their operations. She observed that Ugandan entrepreneurs have made significant contributions to employment creation, trade, revenue generation and regional economic integration, and therefore deserve protection under existing legal and diplomatic frameworks. She acknowledged South Sudan's sovereign right to regulate businesses operating within its territory but urged that such actions be undertaken fairly, transparently and without discrimination. She called upon affected Ugandan traders to document their grievances and channel them through relevant diplomatic missions and government authorities to facilitate constructive engagement with South Sudanese counterparts. Kadaga maintained that Uganda remains committed to peaceful coexistence, lawful cross-border trade and stronger regional cooperation, but insisted that defending the rights and welfare of Ugandan citizens should never be mistaken for hostility toward neighbouring states. She urged political leaders, public officials and institutions across the region to approach the matters responsibly, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and allow investigations to establish facts before conclusions are drawn. According to Kadaga, the challenges confronting East Africa can only be resolved through dialogue, evidence-based decision-making, institutional cooperation and respect for the rule of law. The Minister concluded by reaffirming Uganda's commitment to maintaining strong relations with both Kenya and South Sudan while ensuring that the interests, safety and dignity of Ugandan citizens remain protected wherever they live, work and invest within the region. @WilliamsRuto

Rt. Hon. @RebeccaKadagaUG, Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, supports the Jua Kali SMEs Exhibition in Kigali, Rwanda celebrating @jumuiya innovation, enterprise and the hardworking entrepreneurs driving our region forward. #RebeccaKadaga #EAC #JuaKali #SMEs #Kigali #Rwanda #EastAfrica #MadeInEastAfrica

Rt. Hon. @RebeccaKadagaUG emphasizes that economic integration alone is insufficient. As the 26th @jumuiya MSMEs Trade Fair kicks off in @RwandaGov, the bloc stands at 331.1 million people and a $356b GDP. We must now move to the ultimate stage of integration. @KagutaMuseveni @PaulKagame @newvisionwire #EAC #Kadaga #EastAfricanCommunity #PoliticalFederation #Africa #EACMSMEsTradeFair #KigaliRwanda

Kadaga Unveils Uganda’s Strategic Push for 26th EAC MSMEs Trade Fair in Kigali Addressing the press at the Kingdom Kampala Building, Rt. Hon. @RebeccaKadagaUG, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of EAC Affairs, articulated Uganda’s robust preparedness for the 26th EAC MSMEs Trade Fair. Scheduled for @RwandaGov Kigali from October 30th to November 8th, 2026, this seminal event underscores the government's commitment to regional integration. With the theme "Advancing Regional Value Chains in Leather and Horticulture," the Ministry aims to catalyze industrial growth and import substitution. Uganda targets over 350 exhibitors, building on the 305 who excelled in Nairobi, where 80% were women-led. The fair serves as a conduit for intra-EAC trade, offering MSMEs cross-border business acumen and market access to 330 million consumers. Kadaga emphasized the 7th November "Uganda Day," dedicated to recognizing women in trade champions, urging unregistered enterprises to seize this pivotal economic opportunity. END

Beyond the Ballot: How One Woman's Journey Shaped Uganda's Gender Agenda By: Bishop "The work is still enormous. It is important that as leaders we are able to encourage fellow leaders to strategise on sustainability and leverage the gains and networks that, as women of Uganda, we have." These were the words of Rt. Hon. @RebeccaKadagaUG, Uganda's First Deputy Prime Minister| Minister for @meaca_ug and Chairperson Council of Ministers for @jumuiya , as she addressed participants at the National Women's Leadership Conference organized by the Forum for Women in Democracy @FOWODE_UGANDA at Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala on September 25, 2026. Speaking under the theme "Beyond the Ballot: Charting a Collective Women's Agenda," Kadaga reflected on a leadership journey that has spanned decades and left a lasting imprint on Uganda's political and gender landscape. She recalled breaking barriers as Uganda's first female Speaker of Parliament, a position she held from 2011 to 2021. During her tenure, she not only shaped parliamentary leadership at home but also raised Uganda's profile on the international stage. She led delegations to Inter-Parliamentary Union assemblies in Geneva, Bangkok, and Panama, successfully championed Uganda's bid to host the 126th IPU Assembly in 2012, and later served as President of the African Geopolitical Group at the IPU. In 2019, Uganda hosted the 64th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference under her stewardship. Kadaga said some of her proudest achievements came through advancing the women's rights agenda. Working closely with the Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA), she helped drive legislation aimed at improving the lives of women and girls across the country. These included laws promoting gender-responsive budgeting, combating human trafficking, prohibiting female genital mutilation, expanding women's inheritance and land ownership rights, strengthening protections against workplace sexual harassment, and providing support for victims of domestic violence. She noted that progress was not limited to legislation. Under her leadership, women secured 40 percent of parliamentary committee chairperson positions, while affirmative action policies opened up government procurement opportunities for women and youth. Now serving as First Deputy Prime Minister| Minister for @meaca_ug and Chairperson of the @jumuiya Council of Ministers, Kadaga said the struggle for women's empowerment must also be viewed through the lens of regional integration and economic opportunity. She pointed to the growth of intra-EAC trade from US$7.4 billion to US$9.5 billion between 2023 and 2025, and the increase in exports to the rest of the world from US$47.3 billion to US$77.7 billion over the same period. She emphasized that initiatives such as the Simplified Trade Regime have particularly benefited women involved in cross-border trade by allowing consignments valued below US$2,000 to move without import duties. Looking back on her journey from private legal practice and human rights advocacy to some of the highest offices in government, Kadaga said her story demonstrates what can happen when women are given the opportunity to lead. However, she cautioned that passing laws alone is not enough to transform lives. "We must translate the legislation put in place into practice," she urged, calling on women leaders to work together, strengthen networks, and ensure that the gains made over the years are sustained for future generations. Her message to the conference was both reflective and forward-looking: winning elections and securing positions of leadership is only the beginning. The greater challenge lies in using that leadership to create lasting change, expand opportunities for other women, and build a legacy that endures long after individual leaders leave office. END