Move Freely 24Hrs / 7Days Get Hands on Regional Opportunities

not to be sold The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

AA MINEAC PUBLICATION QUARTERLY OF THE MINISTRYMAGAZINE OF EAST VOL AFRICAN 1 ISSUE COMMUNITY: 2 JULY 2012ISSUE 6

“we must ensure that commitments on the free

movementbuses line up for entry of at rwanda’speople, Gatuna labour border post and services, which have not been fully or evenly implemented across the region are urgently addressed” President Paul kagame

Get hands on regional opportunities. Move Freely 24hrs / 7days Expanded Market of over 135 million East Africans

The ministry of east africaMissionn commmunity Lead the widening and deepening of the EAC Integration process mission in order to promoteLead the development widening and deepening goals of the EAC of Integration Rwanda process andin the region. order to promote development goals of Rwanda and the region

Vision A prosperous competitive,Vision secure and politically united East Africa. A prosperous competitive, secure and politically united East Africa.

MINEAC: P.O.Box 267 Kigali-Rwanda, MINAFFET Buidling 4th Floor, [email protected], www.mineac.gov.rw The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

CONTENTS integration affairs ISSUE 6, June 2013

newsbriefs 22 EALA enacts new law to limit road transport weight 6 Legislation Key to Regulate FDIs in Agriculture – EALA Speaker 24 EAC One Stop Border Post Bill 2012, inches 6 Sezibera urges students to tap a step closer to into EAC opportunities Law 7 Indian Military Officers and Civil 26 You have Servants Visit EAC Headquarters a role to play in the 7 EAC leads other regional blocs integration in business reforms process, Judges 7 Regional Law to Deal with told disasters 28 East African economies set to grow by 5.8pc above local news Africa’s average of 4.8pc

8 Kagame’s full speech at EALA 30 Bageine presents $130m EAC opening session on April 16, 2013, budget to Assembly Kigali

10 Kigali hosts the 7th Tripartite trade negotiation conference feature

12 Rwanda set to benefit from 32 Rwanda’s business center: project funding embedded in the Where East Africa trade flows new EAC trade pact with Europe

36 Some of East Africa’s business 54 The role of social media in 14 Youth from 30 districts trained and talented women integration process on integration process

40 Mobile: A life changing 56 Cultural, social integration a 16 Giving a voice to Rwandan civil technology for East Africans sustainable way to regional unity society in the EAC

42 My short story as a visiting 58 Critical lessons Rwanda can give 17 The EACSOF-Rwanda-TMEA journalist in Rwanda other EAC states on how best to partnership Influencing deal with vulnerable children policies that promote people- 44 Living and integrating participation in the EAC comfortably in Kigali 60 Mind-set Change and the Pursuit integration process of Sustainable Development: A 46 One Stop Border Posts: Nemba Challenge for the EAC leads by example regional news 48 Royal Car Wash, the Kenya’s sport 20 Why President Museveni got it “Nyama Choma” “Embassy in right at EALA sitting in Kigali Rwanda” 62 CECAFA Kagame Cup: APR eyes the trophy despite youthful team

EDITORIAL TEAM PUBLISHED & PRINTED BY

• George Kayonga • Safari Innocent • Anne Brooks www.glcmc.com, [email protected] • Flavia Salafina • Anette Mukayiranga • Peter Niyitegeka Design, Art and Layout: Lukwago Baker / Ojok Ivan Willy

• Florence Batoni • Alex Mutamba • Runanira Richmond Great Lakes Communications and Media Center (GLCMC) on behalf of the Ministry of East African Community (MINEAC)

Integration Affairs 3 June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda GUIDELINES ON EAC ANTHEM USE Who shall sing or play the Anthem

1. East Africans citizens shall sing or play the Anthem on occasions of regional signiﬁ cance. 2. The instrumental version of the Anthem may be played or the Vocal version may be sung. east 3. Every person playing or singing the Anthem shall ensure that the tune and lyrics of the Anthem are complete and performed with dignity. afriCan 4. Decorum shall be observed whenever the Anthem is played or sung and antHeM every person present at the occasion shall stand up as a sign of respect. Occasions when the Anthem should be played or sang The Anthem shall be played or sung on the following occasions: 1. Ee Mungu twaomba ulinde Jumuiya Afrika Mashariki a. All EAC Summit meetings; Tuwezeshe kuishi kwa amani b. All EAC Council meetings; Tutimize na malengo yetu. c. Commemoration of EAC days; Chorus Jumuiya Yetu sote tuilinde d. When a Head of State addresses EALA; Tuwajibike tuimarike Umoja wetu ni nguzo yetu e. Opening of EALA Sessions Idumu Jumuiya yetu. f. Opening of the EACJ Law Year; 2. Uzalendo pia mshikamano g. All regional events such as Conferences, Sports and Cultural Events, Viwe msingi wa Umoja wetu Exhibitions. Natulinde Uhuru na Amani Mila zetu na desturi zetu. h. All national occasions in Partner States as each Partner State may determine.

3. Viwandani na hata mashambani Tufanye kazi sote kwa makini Application of the Anthem Tujitoe kwa hali na mali 1. At all EAC Summit meetings and EAC Commemoration days, the 3 stanzas Tuijenge Jumuiya bora. of the Anthem shall be played or sung; 2. At any occasion of the Community where a Head of State is present 2 stanzas of the Anthem shall be played or sung; 3. At any other occasion 1 stanza of the Anthem shall be played or sung.

4 Integration Affairs 4 June 2013 Hotline: 2525 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda Foreword

Dear stakeholders,

Welcome to the sixth edition of Integration Affairs.

This year, Integration journey has seen tremendous progress. East Africans are getting closer to each other as envisaged in the treaty establishing the community.

In this issue of The Integration Affairs, several stories attest to this fact. The Nemba Border Post for instance, leads the way in establishment of the concept of one border post meant to ease free movement of goods,and people of East Africans.

The concerted efforts of partner states to remove non-tariff (NTBs) barriers is another case. Ten Hon. Monique Mukaruliza, Minister for East African Community Affairs (MINEAC) existing trade barriers were removed as a result of concerted approach by partner states. While this is a sucess seven new barriers have been reported. That is the reason why we are highlighting how This situation of successfully fighting existing “ The Royal Car Wash” a popular entertainment barriers while new ones popping up points to the centre in Kigali is proving to be a real East African fact that removal of various forms of trade barriers social gathering place that uses “Nyama Choma” is a long journey. the Kenyan delicacy to bring East Africans and the We also bring to you news on the 7th tripartite world at large together. trade negotiation conference, an important event in The editors highlight the Rwandan bussiness the East African Community and African continent center (Cartie Commerciale) down town Kigali to that promotes trade negotiatiosn of 26 African undertake a dip stick of how the traders in this countries. bustling section of Kigali perceives the integration This further reports on the progress of the economic process. This area brings amazing stories of how partnership agreement between East African East Africans are carrying out trade based on Community (EAC) and the European Union. Tis story, business advantages offered by EAC. reports on development of physical infrastructure These stories and many others reported in as Rwanda is set to benefit from the pact through this issue of The Integration Affairs gives added funding of 27 key infrastructure projects as one way optimism that integration is real and it is affecting of ensuring equity in the deal. Which deal? the lives of many East Africans. This magazine also brings real life stories of how, EAC integration is promoting integration better understanding and harmonious living among East Hon. Monique Mukaruliza Africans in Rwanda. Ministry of East African Community Affairs (MINEAC)

Integration Affairs 5 June 2013 News The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda Briefs

Legislation Key to Regulate FDIs Sezibera urges students to in Agriculture – EALA Speaker tap into EAC

implementation of the EAC Food opportunities Security Action Plan and the adoption of common measures to ensure sustainable management of soil and land resources in the region.

The speaker made the remarks while officiating over a 2 day Inter-Parliamentary Workshop in Kigali, Rwanda. The workshop themed “Making Agricultural Investment work for Africa: A Parliamentarian Response to the The Secretary General of the East African Land Rush” was organised by the Community Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera Pan-African Parliament (PAP) in collaboration with the Association The Secretary General of the East African Community Amb. Dr. The Speaker of East African Legislative for European Parliamentarians Assembly (EALA), Rt. Hon Dr. Margaret with Africa and the International Richard Sezibera has challenged Nantongo Zziwa Institute for Sustainable students in the region to take advantage of the opportunities The Speaker of East African Development. The workshop created through EAC integration Legislative Assembly (EALA), aimed at raising awareness to improve their communities Rt. Hon Dr. Margaret Nantongo among parliamentarians on the and their lives. Zziwa is calling on legislators current scale and impact of FDIs to develop relevant legislation in East African land and water “You will have to take charge. to address the state of play of resources in order to strengthen The opportunities are available Foreign Direct Investments in the land policy and governance. [but] you can live in a knowledge agricultural sector in the region In attendance were society and be very ignorant to spur its development. parliamentarians from PAP, EALA, because you have not put in place mechanisms to capture At the same time, Rt. Hon Zziwa ECOWAS and the parliament of the opportunities,” the Secretary has called for the comprehensive Rwanda and South Africa. General stated when addressing students meeting at the EAC headquarters for the East African Community Students Union East AFRICA Conference. The three-day youth conference BY numbers brought together 170 students from the partner states to 135.4 million: Estimated population of the people of the EAC bloc discuss, among others, the role 5.4: Total Fertility Rate (children per woman) of the youth in the growth and 51-115: Infant Mortality Rate (out of 1000) sustainability of the community. 74-174: Child Mortality Rate (out of 1000) “What turns potential into wealth is the right mindset,” the US$ 84.7 billion: Total aggregate output in 2011 Secretary General counseled.

6 Integration Affairs June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

EAC leads other regional blocs in business reforms

A report released in early by 2015 as the easiest block on May by the World Bank investment and doing business.” and International Financial From the report, EAC has made Corporation (IFC) revealed that good progress to ease starting East African Community (EAC) of businesses over the last eight leads on conducive business years. investment climate in Africa. The Deputy Secretary General in charge of “This achievement ensures Political Federation Dr. Julius Tangus Rotich EAC stood at 84 out of 185 possibilities to make the EAC worldwide compared to Common integration much stronger,” said Indian Military Officers Market for eastern and Southern Peter Ladecaari, Coordinator of and Civil Servants Visit Africa (COMESA) ranked at (110th); EA Common Market Diagnostic South African Development EAC Headquarters and Head of Investment Climate Community (SADC) at (104) and of IFC. the Economic Community of A group of senior military West Africa ECOWAS (127th) According to the report, Rwanda officers and civil servants from ranks 3rd position in Africa, Monique Mukaruliza, the National Defence College, India 52nd position, in terms of doing Minister of EAC said “we focus to paid a working visit in late May business globally. to the EAC Headquarters and lead worldwide ranking position met the Secretary General of the East African Community Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera. Regional Law to Deal with The officers were led by Rear Admiral Ravindra Gaikwad, the disasters senior directing staff officer of the Indian (Navy) at the The East African Legislative reduction and management College. Present were the Deputy Assembly is working on a bill practices in the entire EAC. Secretary General in charge of to provide a legal framework “Meeting the challenges of the Political Federation Dr. Julius for intervention and assistance disaster management cannot be Tangus Rotich, the Defence for people affected by climate solely a partner state’s government Liaison Officers from Burundi change and natural hazard- initiative. EAC will therefore (Brigadier General Nahimana related disasters, a senior EAC pursue a collaborative approach Salvator), Rwanda (Brigadier official has said. by all relevant stakeholders General Aloys Muganga), Uganda The EAC Deputy Secretary including governments, (Col. Sam Omara), and Tanzania General in charge of Productive intergovernmental organizations, (Co. Mgisa Masha). and Social Sectors Hon. Jesca communities, the private sector, The Secretary General briefed Eriyo recently told the 4th non-governmental organizations the visiting Indian officials on Session of the Global Platform and development partners to the latest developments on the for Disaster Risk Reduction effectively address issues of regional integration process (DRR) that the private member’s DRC,” Hon. Eriyo remarked while the Defence Liaison Officer bill tabled before the assembly during the Hyogo Framework of (Rwanda) Brigadier General Aloys also aims to protect the natural Action (HFA) consultations of the Muganga highlighted the areas environment through integration intergovernmental organizations and achievements in the EAC of comprehensive disaster risk in Geneva. Defence cooperation.

Integration Affairs 7 June 2013 Local The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda News

Kagame’s full speech at EALA opening session on April 16, 2013, Kigali

Honourable Margaret Nantongo Zziwa, Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly; Honourable Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo, Speaker of the Senate; Honourable Rose Mukantabana, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies; Honourable Shem Bageine ,Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of the East African Community; Dr. Richard Sezibera, Secretary General of the East African Community; Honourable members of the East African Legislative Assembly; Members of the Diplomatic Corps; Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen;

Thank you Madam Speaker for H.E. Paul Kagame, The President of the Republic of Rwanda inviting me to address this august assembly as you begin your This is characteristic of Africans A better performing East African deliberations in Kigali. generally – who show much Community is good for our citizens. Let me congratulate you again resilience and fortitude as they face It would be even more beneficial on being elected to the high office various and difficult challenges. if we established links with other of Speaker, and the new members regions of the continent, so that The process of integration in East of this assembly on their election all Africans can enjoy the benefits Africa is advanced and, although it as well. I am certain that you will of larger markets, greater safety, may not yet be progressing at the build on the achievements of your peace and stability and collective pace we would desire, we have predecessors in driving the East strength. not given ourselves the option of African integration agenda forward. turning back. We can only move We have already tasted the Thank you also for joining forward. dividends of integration in this and supporting Rwandans in region, and have found them It remains the responsibility commemorating the nineteenth satisfying. It is in our best interest of the governments of partner anniversary of the Genocide. to multiply that level of satisfaction states, organs of the East African through enhanced cooperation. I also understand that you have Community and other partners and But we have also experienced the had the occasion to visit various stakeholders to make integration costs of acting individually where development activities across the work better and more efficiently in we are open to mistreatment, country. order to benefit all the citizens of marginalisation or become victims These activities must have given East Africa. of other international actors. you an insight into the tragic As we focus on improved Continentally, unity and integration consequences of bad politics functioning of the East African are our best insurance against and leadership, as well as the Community, we must keep in sight denial of our ability to play our determination of Rwandans to the advantages of integration, not rightful role in the world. rebuild their country and strive for just in this region, but across the dignity and a better quality of life. continent.

8 Integration Affairs June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

Immense opportunities services, which have not been fully the traditional economies. or evenly implemented across the Think for a moment, you will This calls for a vibrant, well- region, are urgently addressed. The realise that Africa continues to be informed and competitive private delays, as we all know have caused the only place on this planet where sector. It is therefore imperative business people, investors and people, in the process of exercising that the relevant organs of the ordinary East Africans immense their democratic rights, are warned Community expedite the approval frustration. about the consequences of their of the Public-Private Partnership choices. It continues to be the For the same reason, we must framework and strategy to support only place where you are actually move fast on the creation of a commitments and initiatives of offended by and from outside and single customs territory to facilitate Partner States. by outsiders and you must be the trade across the region. Involving citizens one to apologise. And if you don’t, The East African Legislative The East African Community has then you will be penalised. Assembly in particular has a critical been in existence for close to a It remains the only place on this role to play in this regard - in decade and a half, but still relies on planet where distortion and lies enacting enabling laws and in its external support from development are told about you and you are oversight duties. It is important that partners to fund its activities. We denied the right to reply by those this latter function be given its due must seek, as a matter of urgency, who have lessons to teach the emphasis because it is central to innovative, efficient and sustainable rest of world, about the freedom the satisfactory performance of all ways, from within the partner of expression. Therefore, when it Community programmes. states and international private comes to this set of affairs, you capital, of funding the Community’s We expect that in this session should be prepared to fight for priority programmes and activities, in Kigali you will continue your own. and also reduce dependence on deliberations on how EALA can external sources whose continuity Africa presents us with immense better contribute to the efficient cannot even be guaranteed. opportunities for further economic functioning of the East African growth and a stronger voice in the Community in order to further the In conclusion, Madam Speaker, international arena. In this period integration agenda. In addition to our integration agenda will have of economic turmoil, Africa is the the bills before you, it is important more meaning if it extends beyond only region where GDP has been to find ways to plug the gaps in government and East African growing at an average of 5 per cent the existing laws and protocols Community departments and per annum for the last few years. that have an impact on the pace of spreads to the people of partner We have the world’s largest reserve implementation. states so that they are involved in of natural resources. Our population all its activities. And so, for the better functioning is youthful and increasingly of the East African Community, it They must know at what has more money to spend. is crucial that the decision-making stage we are, what their rights, These are opportunities that we and oversight mechanisms become obligations and benefits are, cannot permit others to benefit more responsive to the aspirations and what issues stand in the from more than us. However, of East African citizens. This requires way of faster integration. EALA obtaining maximum benefits from expediting institutional review and is better positioned to sensitise this situation demands that we streamlining the functions of the citizens in this regard, so a greater increase the level of intra-African organs of the Community to give responsibility lies with you. I am trade and investment and extend them the necessary autonomy, confident that members of this integration across the continent – make them more accountable and Assembly have the will, drive and starting, of course, as we have done enhance complementarity. commitment to discharge this at regional level. duty and also make consultations East Africa and the continent Equally, in order to get the most with all stakeholders on various in general must be prepared to out of regional and continental legislations, in order for East compete on the world stage and integration, it is crucial that we African citizens to realise the full also take full advantage of the address existing weaknesses. In our benefits of integration. evolving situation where new and case, for instance, we must ensure important economic and political Thank you for your kind attention that commitments on the free actors are emerging in addition to and I wish you fruitful deliberations movement of people, labour and

Integration Affairs 9 June 2013 Local The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda News

Kigali hosts the 7th Tripartite trade negotiation conference

The Kigali meeting convened after a previous 6th edition of TTNF took place on 25th-26th February, 2013 that was held on the sidelines of the 5th meeting of the Tripartite Committee of Senior Officials (TCSO) in Livingstone, Zambia.

The Kigali 7th TTNF was officiated by Amb. George William Kayonga the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of East African Community.

In his opening remarks, the PS noted that Tripartite Free Trade Agreement (TFTA) collectively brings together 26 African countries with a combined The 7th tripartite trade negotiation conference held in Kigali was officiated by Amb. George population of at least 530 million William Kayonga, PS-MINEAC people and a total gross domestic product of US$ 630 billion thus The 26 nation tripartite in order to consider among representing over 50 per cent of framework seen as one of the other items the draft guidelines Africa’s economic output. major blocks of building a truly on selection of observers and “This translates into a united Africa is moving closer participation in the meetings of considerable market size to reality after a recent meeting the tripartite trade negotiation attractive enough to serious held in Kigali enabled important forum (TTNF) one of the key investors, hence a need to create resolutions to be discussed and negotiating organs that is a single free area of 26 countries passed. expected to fast track the trade as desired by the heads of states talks. The tripartite brings together of these African countries”. under a single umbrella Dubbed the 7th tripartite The meeting approved the TTNF organization three of Africa’s trade negotiating forum (TTNF), chairperson’s progress report Regional Economic Communities the deliberation at the Kigali on the FTA negotiations and (REC’s), namely the East Africa meeting are considered as specifically its recommendations Community (EAC), the Common important building blocks on commencement of text-based Market for Eastern and Southern needed in enabling consensus negotiations at the next TTNF Africa (COMESA) and the needed in finalizing the free meeting. Southern African Development trade agreement among the Community (SADC). 26 African countries, according The meeting also discussed to the Ministry of East African and approved proposals on the Over 250 delegates from the Community Affairs (MINEAC) scheduling of the negotiations three RECs held a two day officials familiar with the including approval for the meeting in Kigali from May 8-10 negotiations. establishment of a Technical

10 Integration Affairs June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

Working Group on trade that serves to limit volumes of Kigali TTNF,we need to work remedies. trade in this region. Another issue on the harmonization of the that was discussed at length different trade regimes including The TCSO meetings on was negotiations procedure on finalizing exchange of offers in the other hand endorsed the rules of origin which is very order for us to say that we are on decisions of the TTNF arising important item when discussing the final stretches of exhausting out of consideration of the regional trade obligations”, Fred the negotiations. For instance we recommendations from the Kamusiime a trade expert at have a meeting in Bujumbura TTNF chair’s report. One of the The Ministry of East African in June this year to prepare the major decisions reached by the Community Affairs (MINEAC) EAC offers to the other RECs”, TCSO was the consideration and says . Kamusiime says. finalising the modalities for tariff negotiations which will facilitate Kamusiime adds: “Accepting The 26 nation tripartite was member states in commencing a free tariff zone binding 26 established in 2005 under a task exchange of tariff offers within countries comes with various force headed by the Secretary six months of the TCSO decision forms of safe guards that should Generals of COMESA and the approving the modalities. be able to curb abuses to this EAC, and the Executive Secretary new trade regime. The issue of of SADC. The task force has met The 7th TTNF meeting was aimed safe guarding the new tariff free at least twice per year since 2006. at finalising the consideration of trade pact was discussed”. The main focus of deliberations the guidelines on selection of has been the harmonisation of observers and participation in The Kigali meeting from REC programmes in the areas the meetings of the TTNF and the point of view of technical of trade and infrastructure also considered reports of the negotiations on customs union development. third meetings of the technical for the 26 African countries working groups that was held inched the envisioned trade A senior trade expert at the ahead of the TTNF. pact closer to reality, according COMESA Secretariat, Mr Mwansa to Kamusiime. Musonda says that the tripartite Finally as its main agenda has made headway in the item, the TTNF commenced “Participants were upbeat that implementation of the tripartite text-based negotiations for the finalization of the free trade area free trade area because all the Tripartite FTA as per the schedule negotiations between the three three RECs that have joined of negotiations approved bodies should be completed by hands have agreed on working in by previous TTNF and CSO next year if at all the remaining harmony. meetings. hurdles are discussed and agreed upon”, Kamusiime said. “The tripartite meetings One of the major resolutions such the 7th TTNF held in passed during the Kigali meeting Some of the remaining hurdles Kigali also provides a platform was the creation of technical that are meant to be tackled for the 26 member states to be working groups to deliberate on include the overlap created by transparent and build trust in the envisaged customs union that different member states joining all the negotiation processes by unifies the trade regimes of the more than one REC. The three exchanging vital information. This three regional blocks. One of the RECs also have different trade includes tariffs, and information issues that the technical working regimes. For instance in the on customs duties”. groups discussed was the issue EAC members use the Common of handling of transit of cargo External Tariff (CET) while in The 7th Kigali TTNF conference within the 26 nation trade block. SADC another different system brought together technical is in place. Another hurdle is experts, senior officials from “The Kigali meeting discussed the system for establishing national tax bodies, directors in how best the 26 countries can the criteria for rules of origin line ministries of trade, experts sort out the trade barriers that between the the three RECs. in product standardisations all exist between them such as representing the three RECs of the different transit procedures “In the aftermath of the 7th EAC, SADC and COMESA.

Integration Affairs 11 June 2013 Local The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda News

Rwanda set to benefit from project funding embedded in the new EAC trade pact with Europe

Rwanda’s huge reconstruction negotiate the trade pact between programme now entering a new EU and the EAC, the major phase of implementation is set concerns of the EAC member While the negotiations to get a shot in the arm through states is now well taken care leading to the signing of funding of 27 key national of and this was the concerns projects by the European Union of enabling real benefits from Economic Partnership (EU) as part of the larger trade the pact to accrue for the EAC. Agreement(EPAs) agreement set to be signed To all the EAC member states, between European between East African Community infrastructure development Union(EU) and the East (EAC) and the EU. funding was seen as one way of attaining real benefit to the This funding line is part of African Community(EAC) people of this region as the consensus needed to finalize has delayed, the new trade regime comes into the land mark agreement that force”,Fred Kamusiime a trade concerns of the should pave way for formation of expert at MINEAC says. EAC member states a free trade framework between EAC and EU, according to trade Rwanda has in place a trade pact was the need to have experts at The Ministry of East with EU dubbed the everything equitable benefits African Community Affairs but arms agreement (EBA) which for both the trade (MINEAC) who are forming part the EPA will replace once it is blocks. In order to of the regional trade panel for signed. The EBA has been cited negotiating the new trade pact. as going against the grain of free address this concern, trade frameworks that is now The trade experts are the funding by EU of known to be shaping global confident that having finalized trade agreements hence the need major infrastructure some of the key aspects of to have it replaced by a new pact projects in the EAC the what is commonly known as that takes note of this need. was seen as the basis the final draft of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) “On a global level the thinking of ensuring fair play between EAC and the EU the is that we should trade freely but needed in the pact. In concerns of the EAC members is at a regional level the main issue this issue of ensuring adequately taken care of through is that this free trade should also a clause in the agreement that be fair to third world countries. fair play, Rwanda is set formalizes the funding of That is the reason why we are to benefit through EU various national projects for all on the verge of finalizing the funding of over 20 key the EAC member states as part EPA with EU with both these projects. of entering consensus needed to principles enshrined in the new enable the free trade agreement pact”, Kamusiime adds. The EPA to take shape. negotiations between EAC and EU started in 2008 and MINEAC “While it has taken long to trade experts are saying that all

12 Integration Affairs June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

infrastructure projects meant to ease movement of goods in the EAC. The funding to ease movement of goods in the EAC is to be carried out by EU through what is known as the economic and development cooperation whose clauses have now been embedded in the EPAs. The development cooperation clause forms part of real benefits accruing to the EAC as a give and take negotiations needed for the pact to be signed.

Under economic development

A road construction project in Kigali cooperation clause of the EPAs all the EAC partner states have put in what is known as project the key concerns needed for real benefits of the pact. development matrix which are consensus to be reached by both “One of the major challenges basically infrastructure projects parties has now been thrashed was the issue of real benefits meant to speed up trade in the out and finalized. including thrashing out sticky region. It means that the funding Prior to that, EPA negotiations issues such as agreeing on items is a reciprocal gesture by EU to were carried out between the EU such as the definite criteria for enable trade in the EAC to thrive and the larger block of Eastern rule of origin for products. These by being more competitive. A host and Southern African countries. major concerns have now been of regional road construction, The trade talks between the EU addressed,”Kamusiime observes. energy , rail way line and related and the larger block of Eastern projects will be funded that way. Kamusiime says that what is and Southern African states now remaining is handling “These projects will actually started in 2001. of 15 remaining chapters before address the supply side constrains However , along the way more consensus can be fully attained. that EAC faces as it trades with specifically by 2008, the EAC 2014 is the time frame set for the West. The idea is to enable a integration process unfolded signing of the agreement. faster and cheaper movement of more rapidly that the East goods and services to move from The intention of the EPA between African region reached an the EAC to the global markets EU and EAC is to increase trade agreement to have in place has such as the EU. Currently, inland and deepen regional integration. a customs union unlike other transport costs makes EAC However for that to happen in a Southern African regional trade goods less competitive in the more equitable way it is known blocks something that gave rise EU and this funding mechanism that the reduction of tariffs to EAC being in a better position will enable our goods to be more to zero levels for both blocks to negotiate its own separate competitive since it addresses will only benefit the EU since pact with the EU. the inland transport costs”. European goods will enter the The time frame for concluding EAC with more benefits than EAC MINEAC trade experts the EU-EAC EPA was thus set goods entering the EU. cooperated closely with fiscal for last year. However the delay policy experts at the ministry of In order to encourage fair play was occasioned by the need to finance and economic planning and equity, the EAC member have consensus on some of the (MINECOFIN) in order to have states have been rooting concerns by EAC members on Rwanda’s development matrix for funding of some physical embedded in the EPAs.

Integration Affairs 13 June 2013 Local The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda News

Youth from 30 districts trained on integration process

The Ministry of East Africa Community (MINEAC) recently conducted a training program for 60 youths drawn from all the 30 districts and 6 participants from national & District cooperatives operating at the national level and members of the National Youth Council in Kigali.

Staff from the ministry sensitized youth on all processes of East African integration. The main aim of the training was to enable the participants to sensitize their peers at grassroots on the finer details of integration process as it affects Rwanda. They were expected to mobilize other youths on development issues Participants at a recent program for youth conducted by MINEAC on EAC integration process and opportunities that come with integration. Majority of the youths said that some people, especially The youth were also expected interviewed after the workshop the illiterate are still not well to think outside the box in as said that integration process is informed about the integration far as regional integration is not deeply understood at the process but said that the Ministry concerned. They were reminded grassroots level but they are now is doing enough to educate all that integration is more about in a position to go back with people on integration process. the knowledge gained in order thinking beyond their narrow Miss Angelique Ingabire from to inform their fellow youth and national borders to embrace a Gisagara District added that other groups of people on all bigger regional boundaries. her cooperative previously had they stand to gain from it. With that kind of thinking, misgivings about venturing the participants were told, their Mr. David Musirikare, outside their home districts but cooperatives being existing Coordinator, National Youth she has since learnt of the larger businesses can take advantage Council, Gasabo district said that market that the EAC offers her of a wider much larger market the passion that the youth ought cooperative. to embrace is to integrate with that the EAC gives Rwanda. Once “Definitely it is something we other countries. “We are now Rwandan businesses are fully are going to take advantage of committed and raring to go in aware and can take advantage of as a group since my knowledge order to integrate with the larger this larger market regional trade of existing wider markets within market.” will increase thereby benefiting and outside the country has Rwandans, participants were Miss Adeline Uwamahoro, a increased”. informed. participant from Karongi district

14 Integration Affairs June 2013 Hotline: 2525 Local The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda News

Giving a voice to Rwandan civil society in the EAC

through evidence based advocacy and participation in platforms of dialogue with government and the private sector.“ says Mark Priestley, TMEA Rwanda Country Director.

The TMEA Rwanda programme covers over 6 broad interventions which collectively focus on facilitating trade and deepening the EAC integration process. One of these 6 pillars is focused on giving a voice to non-state actors from civil society and the private sector in the integration process. Mark Priestley, TMEA Rwanda Country Director This supplement focuses on TMEA’s support to Civil Society in With a market of over 133 “people centered and private Rwanda and in particular, TMEA’s million people and the potential sector” driven rather than being support to some particular CSOs opportunity for people to work and imposed by respective central working on issues ranging from reside in other countries within governments. consumer protection, barriers to the East African Community (EAC), cross border traders, constraints It is against this backdrop that regional integration offers many to movement of Rwandans to Trade Mark East Africa (TMEA), opportunities to both Rwandan other EAC countries due to a a multi-donor funded agency businesses and citizens. lack of harmonisation of social supporting trade and regional security systems and lack of Nevertheless, a possible Achilles integration in the EAC, is providing understanding about the EAC. heel for achieving the ambitions support to civil society through of regional integration is to leave grants and technical support to the common man out of the civil society organisations (CSOs). loop. Indeed one of the principal Through their membership reasons for the collapse of the networks and geographical first integration effort between outreach, CSOs are an effective TMEA supports Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda channel for communicating to strategic CSOs to between 1967 and 1977 was that the common man in the street. raise awareness integration was perceived to be “TMEA supports strategic about opportunities a politically driven process which CSOs to raise awareness about did not involve the common and challenges opportunities and challenges citizen in the process. For this around regional integration to around regional reason one of the central tenants their members while empowering integration to their of the EAC integration today is them to play a more proactive for regional integration to be members role in the integration process

16 Integration Affairs June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

The EACSOF-Rwanda National Coordinator, Sebahizi Prudence, addresing the civil society forum The EACSOF-Rwanda-TMEA partnership Influencing policies that promote people- participation in the EAC integration process

The EACSOF-Rwanda National people throughout the regional is bringing huge added-value to Coordinator, Sebahizi Prudence, integration process. Among its the advocacy work at regional explains how this civil society core functions is to stimulate level on behalf of the Rwandan forum has promoted EAC the participation of the ordinary civil society, seen as relatively integration through capacity persons by enhancing their rights “uncoordinated” when compared building, awareness raising and and advocating for sustainable to the other EAC counterparts’. research and advocacy. development in the bigger EAC. The specific mission of EACSOF- The East African Civil Society EACSOF-Rwanda is the first and Rwanda as a national chapter is Organisations Forum (EACSOF) so far unique permanent national to advocate at the regional level was born at the EAC level in chapter of the regional EACSOF. for sound policies and programs 2004 with the EACSOF-Rwanda Once again, Rwanda is showing on behalf of the Rwandan civil chapter opening shop in Kigali the way to its EAC counterparts society as well as to promote in 2009. EACSOF has the major and will hopefully see the interest citizens awareness and function of advocating for the of its civil society advocated for participation in EAC matters. The interests of the East African and safeguarded. This institution Forum started with 28 member

Integration Affairs 17 June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) individuals from 33 organisations CSOs to ensure sustained which are empowered to have were trained in October- collaboration. a greater permeation effect of November 2012. Institutional Audits for 10 CSOs integration values and notions Training on Policy Analysis and have also been carried out to among the general population. Advocacy Skills has also been establish their organisational/ At the inception of EACSOF- carried out, where EACSOF has management status and Rwanda, the member targeted several CSOs. So far, 50 identify potential gaps in their organisations were working participants from 33 organisations organisational structures, systems on an ad hoc basis. Through have been equipped with the and personnel - among others. Trade Mark East Africa (TMEA) said skills on analysing a public The audit findings will therefore support, the permanent Rwanda policy, why it should be put in feed into developing appropriate Chapter office was set up and the place, identifying the challenges, capacity building plans - both at institutional capacity of EACSOF has been developed with a permanent office in Gasabo, Kigali, and three technical staff— the National Coordinator, a Finance Expert and a Research Policy and Advocacy Expert.

TMEA has provided a grant of US$ 935,000 to cater for all the operational activities since April 2012 but also provides technical assistance, hires experts/ consultants on a regular basis to carry out trainings and other services. This support will be in place up to 2014.

The four broad pillars of activities that EACSOF-Rwanda carries out are: capacity building of their member CSOs; awareness raising on EAC regional Sebahizi Prudence, the EACSOF-Rwanda National Coordinator integration process and potential benefits; research on key topics related to the regional integration gaps and needs. the institutional and individual and advocacy, including at the levels. A Regional Network has been regional level, on behalf of the created where the local CSOs have Awareness Raising Rwandan civil society. EACSOF- been linked to the regional ones. EACSOF-Rwanda Chapter Rwanda has been able to earn a It is in tandem with enhancing supports CSOs involved in the number of accomplishments in the spirit of sharing experiences creation of awareness among these core areas of intervention that regional visits of 12 members Rwandans on the opportunities in the past months. have been carried out to Arusha, available in the EAC. So far, Capacity Building Nairobi, Kampala and Bujumbura. EACSOF has participated in a EACSOF-Rwanda started with Such visits have given members regional Training of Trainers and building the capacity of their regional exposure with plans developed a common training members in Project Cycle underway to have Memoranda of manual on regional integration Managementwhere about 53 Understanding between different for the EAC member states which

18 Integration Affairs June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

range of other awareness raising and social protection services in activities such as the East African East Africa.” Community Week, policy debates On the whole, EACSOF-Rwanda on regional integration, border is working with different EACSOF-Rwanda’s visits and others whereof the CSOs that are pushing for the specific mission as delivery of integration messages agenda of EAC integration and have been accentuated. a national chapter implementation of protocols. The is to advocate at Lastly, the Forum supports major intervention points are at a the regional level member CSOs to participate policy level and the ultimate goal in different regional meetings, is drawing people-participation for sound policies promotes networking and using in the process of the East African and programs the avenue to share experiences integration. amongst themselves. on behalf of the While currently representing Rwandan civil Advocacy Rwanda CSOs on different society as well EACSOF has organized the committees such as the National member CSOs into five thematic Monitoring Committee on Non- as to promote groups of Governance and Tariff Barriers and the National citizens awareness Democracy, Peace and Security, Implementation Committee on and participation Social and Economic Justice, the Implementation of Common Environment and Natural in EAC matters. Market Protocols, EACSOF- resources and Science and Rwanda has also participated Technology. in the East African Community Dialogue Framework, a platform The groups carry out research where the private sector and and advocacy functions. The civil society discuss issues ongoing research activities pertaining to the integration supported by EACSOF include with governments and the EAC identification of challenges will form the foundation for Secretariat. training in all the 30 districts of of Common Market Protocol Rwanda. About 60 trainers will be implementation in line with free trained by the end of March 2013 movement of workers between after which two will be deployed the member states. per district. The said trainers will In addition, specific member get involved in the training of at CSOs have been supported least 1,200 local leaders on the in their own specific research rights and opportunities to be activities. ProFemmes/Twese reaped from the EAC. Hamwe, for example, has been On top of this, a weekly radio assisted in conducting a study talk-show has been running since on “Challenges facing women in July 2012 to discuss integration cross-border trade”. The study is issues with a special focus on now completed and the findings the elaboration of the regional will form a basis for addressing protocols. The talk-show serves the challenges women in two purposes: awareness creation informal cross-border trade face. as well as advocacy. The Umbrella of Associations for Defense of Human Rights EACSOF-Rwanda has also (CLADHO) has too been assisted launched its own website in July with conducting a study on “The 2012 and has participated in a wide status of harmonization of labour Some of the EACSOF members being addresed.

Integration Affairs 19 June 2013 Regional The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda News

Why President Museveni got it right at EALA sitting in Kigali

While addressing a special sitting of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) in Kigali, on April 24 in his capacity as Chairperson of the East African Community (EAC) Summit, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni made key points highlighting the need for Africa to work together to leverage economic emancipation and spearhead the much needed transformation.

President Museveni pointed out that lack of strong political organisation in Africa, corruption, and poor infrastructure have kept Africans divided, poor, and vulnerable to colonisation and H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, The President of the Republic of Uganda delivering his speech to the EALA members in Kigali other forms of foreign attacks.

President Museveni rightly put are more similar than they are by most of the pre-colonial forward the thinking that the different”. chiefs who preferred to keep delay by Africa to free itself from their people divided into small To shoot down the flawed European colonisation is the tribal kingdoms, chiefdoms or argument that backwardness main reason the continent is still segmentary societies, a system enabled Africa to be ransacked by lagging behind. which he said is still being colonialists, President Museveni promoted by the reactionaries “Asian nations like Japan and said: “Some people try to say that today. China have successfully resisted technology was the main cause western occupation as Africa was for our colonisation. I do not As if Africans have not learnt afflicted by colonization due to believe this. China and Japan were their lesson, President Museveni lack of deep political integration”, backward technologically at that says, after independence, the Museveni pointed out adding very time. The Europeans tried political leaders have also that, “since the continent has to colonise them but failed. Even confined themselves to the survived colonisation and is Ethiopia could not be conquered independent states that were considered independent, Africans by the Europeans. Why? They mostly as designed by the can deal with the remaining were not easy to swallow because colonialists pointing to the need issues of poverty and conflicts of a higher degree of political by Africa to draw a new political by working together through integration.” order that challenges the colonial integrated political entities and set ups. The Ugandan heads of state markets on their own land, since said the actual cause of African Museveni pointed out that it has been proven that African colonization was collaboration if the East African integration

20 Integration Affairs June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

address, President Museveni Europe combined, and moreover, urged Africans to dismiss those, a land that is very well-watered especially the custodians of the by powerful rivers and vast Lakes. colonisation of Africa, who say I do not believe On the home front, President that the continent is too divided this. China and Museveni emphasized that East to work together. Japan were Africans cannot fully develop In an audience comprised of unless they end a culture of backward lawmakers, regional dignitaries corruption and are seen to technologically at and diplomats President be working together towards that very time. The Museveni said Africans must attaining a political federation Europeans tried unite for their strength and stop meant to sustain creation of being helpless people who always larger markets for regional to colonise them seek support from international businesses. but failed. Even Ethiopia could not be conquered by the Europeans. Why? They were not easy to swallow because of a higher degree of political integration.”

President Paul Kagame hosting a cocktail in honour of President Yoweri Museveni and other dignitaries of the EAC at Serena Kigali Hotel process is doing well and people have a bigger market to sell their groups like the United Nations to Commending the EAC for products and are now improve keep their security or feed them. doing a better job in matters their welfare, he wondered loudly of integration, the Ugandan why East Africans cannot steadily He pointed out: “If you keep President pointed out that a lot of seek other forms of integration yourself weak, you do so at your bottlenecks remain in the process to its logical conclusion of own peril...it is not a good idea to of unlocking the full potential of developing political federation. conserve weakness.” the bloc’s integration with poor He said that at continental To illustrate the fact that Africa energy infrastructure topping the level political organization was is more than well placed to go list. However, he pointed out that weak in the pre-colonial times beyond the “developing world” the main bottleneck that needs and is still weak which is the tag, President Museveni said to be overcome as a matter of reason why Africa is yet to carry Africans are favoured by God urgency, is the existence of the commensurate weight Africa and nature because they live in small markets and inadequate deserves. a land area of 11.7 million square infrastructure, especially the miles in size-bigger than the energy issue which he said In his trademark freestyle US, China, Brazil and Western should be prioritised.

Integration Affairs 21 June 2013 Regional The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda News

EALA enacts new law to limit road transport weight

reducing total transport costs.

“Inefficient transport is a major challenge frustrating the objective of widening and deepening co-operation among Partner States,” Bageine said, adding that, “In particular, overloading of vehicles along the regional trunk road network is a major hindrance of regional road infrastructure leading to high costs of road maintenance.”

Kenya Highways National Authority, which is the national body charged with controlling overloading in the main highways Chair of Council of Ministers, Shem Bageine in Kenya says it is ready to implement the law.

The East African Legislative Legislative Assembly harmonised Assembly (EALA) on Wednesday the law permitting seven axle May 29th passed the EAC vehicles putting the limit at 56 Vehicle Load Control Bill 2012, metric tonnes. a move expected to take boost The Bill which was passed regional trade facilitation. on during the EALA plenary The new legislation is expected In particular, sitting in Kampala, Uganda, was to harmonise the issue of road moved by the Chair of Council overloading of transport weight for the region of Ministers, Shem Bageine. It vehicles along the after the regional legislative envisages control of vehicle loads, regional trunk body enacted a law allowing a harmonised enforcement and to higher limit. road network is a make institutional arrangements For instance, Kenya, unlike the for the Regional Trunk Road major hindrance other four East Africa Community Network for the Community. of regional road Member states, had put a limit of Bageine said the main infrastructure 48 tonnes with maximum of six objective of the Bill is to achieve axles with each axle load of eight leading to high efficient and effective control tonnes. costs of road of vehicle overloading in the However, through the East region as a basis for reducing maintenance Africa Community Vehicle Load accelerated deterioration of road Control Bill, 2012, East African networks and as a consequence,

22 Integration Affairs June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

“We shall implement the law special categories of vehicle use in Uganda and Tanzania as guided by the EAC ministry,” loads are contained in the third while Rwanda and Burundi KeNHA Corporate Affairs part. The four last sections deal have expressed no objection to Manager, Mr Charles Njogu said. with clauses on operations, adjusting from their 53-tonne enforcement, institutional ceiling. The tabling of the Bill was arrangements, offences and preceded by a Report of the The Bill comes just weeks penalties. Committee on Communications after the EALA passed another Trade and Investments (CTI) The Bill is expected to be Bill which seeks to reduce the which held public consultations endorsed by the heads of state number of weighbridges in each on the subject matter with in their November summit. country to only two—one at entry stakeholders from partner states The 56-tonne limit is already in and another at cargo’s exit point. in March.

During the debate, MP Abdulkarim Harelimana from Rwanda said it was necessary to maintain roads in order to facilitate trade, while MP Dan Kidega from Uganda said the region’s infrastructure needed to be enhanced.

MP Abubakar Zein Abubakar from Kenya hailed the law making process that involved public participation. He called for additional resources towards sensitisation once the law is assented to.

MP Bernard Mulengani from Uganda said the law would reduce costs of doing business and called on Partner States to ensure its full implementation.

The EAC Secretary General, Amb Dr Richard Sezibera hailed the Council for bringing forth the Bill and noted that another eleven Bills were on line to be tabled before the House. The Bill was informed by thorough research and scientific studies.

It is divided into eight main parts. The first part has preliminary clauses while the legal load limits and overloading fees are enumerated in the second part. The obligatory weighing of vehicles and the A weigh bridge located in one of EACs Trade corridors

Integration Affairs 23 June 2013 Regional The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda News

Gasenyi-Nemba border (Burundi, Rwanda) EAC One Stop Border Post Bill 2012, inches a step closer to Law

East African Legislative arrangements by establishing doing, however, the bill does not Assembly (EALA) sitting in Kigali, and designating control zones at affect the rights of any adjoining Rwanda on April 23, 2013 passed the respective border posts. The partner state(s) to take temporary the One Stop Border Posts Bill, bill in addition seeks to extend measures in the interest of 2012, paving way for it to become partner states’ national laws defence, security, public safety community law if assented to relating to border control officers and public order. by the East African Community of adjoining partner states Common border posts (EAC) Heads of State. permitting their free movement designated in the EAC as one stop within the controlled zone(s) in The object of the bill, initiated border posts include the Taveta- the performance of their duties, by the EAC Council of Ministers, Holili border and the Namanga without producing passports, is to provide for the establishment border (Kenya-United Republic but by simply producing their of One Stop Border Posts (OSBP) of Tanzania), Busia and appropriate identity. in the community in order to Malaba borders (Kenya – facilitate trade through the The bill makes provision Uganda) and the Kanyaru- efficient movement of goods and for the application of border Akanyaru border (Burundi- people within the community. control laws and provides for Rwanda). institutional arrangements in the Under the arrangement, co-ordination and monitoring of Others are the Mutukula border partner states shall implement the one stop border posts. In so (United Republic of Tanzania- one stop border processing

24 Integration Affairs June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

Uganda), Gasenyi-Nemba border the capacities of the personnel regulations to support the Act at the borders to be built so as when implemented. (Burundi, Rwanda) and to enhance service delivery”, the Lungalunga-Horohoro border “It is our desire and aspiration legislator remarked. (Kenya - United Republic of for example that during the Tanzania) Hon Mike K. Sebalu noted that implementation of the Act, the it was necessary for the OSBP terms and conditions of staff Debate on the bill was preceded initiative to be rolled out to all working together to facilitate the by the tabling of a report of the borders when finances permit so OSBP are harmonised to retain committee on communications, as to demystify free movement. staff of high caliber,” the Minister trade and investment presented “Integration is people centred stated. by the chairperson, Hon Dan and we must make the processes Kidega. The report underscores The bill successfully passed the need for partner states to develop, upgrade and modernise the required infrastructural facilities and to enhance technological advancement to enable efficient and effective It is true the OSBP has been operating implementation of the bill. on some border points on bilateral The report was filed as a result arrangements within the partner states; of public hearings held in the therefore the law is critical because it partner states on March 6-12, 2013 provides a regional legal framework and April 11, 2013 to collate views from different stakeholders. The committee at that point received views from customs officials, clearing and forwarding agents easy to implement the Common through the second reading and members of the business Market Protocol,” he noted. with amendments during the community among others. committee stage before it was Hon Joseph Kiangoi said the The report urges the council of passed for its third reading. bill would enable the region ministers to conduct sensitisation to open up for trade terming programs on the OSBP to the the region “a major economic populace and to fast-track bloc” in the continent while Hon the process of processing the Frederic Ngenzebuhoro said needed regulations. “It is true the implementation of the bill the OSBP has been operating on would reduce corruption and some border points on bilateral significantly eliminate bribes. arrangements within the partner Other members who supported states; therefore the law is critical the bill included Hon Mukasa because it provides a regional Mbidde and Hon Abubakar Zein. legal framework”, the report said in part. The chair of the EAC Council of Ministers, Hon Shem Bageine At debate time, Hon Shy-Rose S. remarked that the spirit of Bhanji commended the council working together (EALA and the of ministers for initiating the Council of Ministers) would be bill noting that it would reduce the hallmark towards ensuring the unnecessary bureaucracies integration. He reiterated the at the border posts. “This is a council’s pledge to put in place major achievement and we want Tanzania-Rwanda border post

Integration Affairs 25 June 2013 Regional The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda News

You have a role to play in the integration process, Judges told

East African Community (EAC) integration and specifically legal and judicial sectors as one of areas of cooperation within the EAC.

On her part, the newly appointed chair of the East African Judicial Committee, Justice Dr. Esther Kisakye Kitimbo pledged her commitments and support to the success of the East African Judicial Education Committee. She called upon the partner states, the East African Court of Justice and the Secretariat to provide support to the chairperson. Justice Nsekala addressing a meeting of education committee during a three-day meeting held at Sal Salinero Hotel in Moshi, Tanzania in April, 2013, The meeting was conducted through the session of the The President of East Africa integration. heads of national judicial Court of Justice, His Lordship, “It is inconceivable to imagine training institutes and registrars Justice Harold Nsekala has said that a judicial officer can responsible for national judicial judicial officers have vital role to effectively deliver justice if he/she systems. It was mainly aimed at play in economic, political and is not acquainted with the current identifying key priority areas for social development of EAC. regional legal instruments and the trainings of judicial officers Addressing a meeting of legislation,” said Justice Nsekela. and approve training programs education committee during a for the financial years 2013/14 and He reiterated that training three-day meeting held at Sal 2014/15. provides a perfect opportunity to Salinero Hotel in Moshi, Tanzania the judicial officers to be effective Meanwhile, other training in April, 2013, Justice Nsekala said instruments in the judicial programs approved include that judicial officers have specific systems at the regional level information technology and law roles in the integration process, as well as understanding how and its impact on administration either as interpreters of different the East African Court of Justice of justice held on March 24 in legal instruments of EAC and and the National Judiciaries Kigali 2014, training on East Africa those of partner states. complement each other in the Community legal framework on The officers are expected to act integration process. May 19-22, 2014 in Bujumbura, as arbitrators of disputes that Burundi for the 2013/2014 financial Justice Nsekela was confident arise out of integration process year. that the developed programs will and as protectors of basic legal enhance and increase knowledge During the meeting, Dr. Esther and natural rights of persons, of judicial officers in the region Kisakye Kitimbo was appointed as envisaged in the process of on several areas related to the as the new chairperson of the

26 Integration Affairs June 2013 committee.

The EAC has over the last years put greater emphasis on training programs so as to enhance leadership and management skills in the judiciary as well as in promoting legal and judicial knowledge and harmonization of processes in the judicial sector in the regional bloc.

From 22 October 2012 EAC held a three-day training on leadership skills for chief justices, Judge presidents, principal Judges, Heads of High court divisions and all judges with administrative responsibilities in EAC partner states was held in Court Yard Hotel, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Addressing participants during the training program, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration Mr. Jean Claude Nsengiyumva hailed the East African judicial education committee for the tireless efforts in putting together the training programs for the highest cadre of the national judiciaries, with particular emphasis on leadership skills.

“We hope to learn from the Chief Justices lessons from the common law regime as practiced by the partner states with this background such as Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania as well as that of civil law regime practiced by Rwanda and Burundi,” noted the EAC official, adding that “It is my belief and perhaps a feasible proposal that the community should borrow and implement the best practices from both systems.” Regional The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda News

Iconic structures in each one of the EAC member states are some of the testimonies to economic growth East African economies set to grow by 5.8pc above Africa’s average of 4.8pc

The aggregate economic in the remaining part of the year, growth East African economies riding on easing inflation across In are expected to pick up in the the region. remaining part of this year AfDB said the Kenyan economy into 2014 on account of strong Summary is expected to reach 4.5 per cent showing in the agricultural, growth in 2013 and 5.2 per cent mining and energy sectors. New data from the African in 2014, slightly below the latest Development Bank (AfDB) Latest date from the African projections by the country’s show the 5 EAC economies Development Bank (AfDB) show Treasury, which sees the economy of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, the five economies — Kenya, expanding by six per cent in 2013. Rwanda and Burundi — could Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and grow by at least 5.5 per cent in Kenya’s economic planners are Burundi — could grow by at least 2013 and 5.8 per cent in 2014. upbeat that East Africa’s largest 5.5 per cent in 2013 and 5.8 per This is above Africa’s average of economy will grow at a faster rate cent in 2014. This is above Africa’s 4.8 per cent in 2013 and 5.3 per than in the past two years riding average of 4.8 per cent in 2013 cent in 2014. on renewed investor confidence and 5.3 per cent in 2014. Latest projections by the following a peaceful general International Monetary In order to corroborate this election and favourable weather Fund and the World Bank projections, latest data from the conditions that are expected to independently project improved International Monetary Fund and boost agriculture. Data shows economic conditions in the remaining part of the year, the World Bank shows that East agriculture accounted for 25.9 per riding on easing inflation across Africa is very likely to witness cent of Kenya’s GDP in 2012, up the region. improved economic conditions from 23.8 per cent in 2011.

28 Integration Affairs June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

in their latest outlook on the economy. Rwanda’s growth is expected to be Projections for Rwanda’s sustained at 7.6 per cent in 2013, economy look robust. AfDB said while Rwanda’s real GDP was on driven by an expansion in services and course to grow by a robust 7.7 per construction, and to stabilise at around cent in 2012, driven by services and seven per cent over the medium term industry, growth was projected to slow down in 2013 and 2014, due to foreign aid suspension, tight fiscal and monetary policies and weak global demand.

Tanzania’s medium-term growth discoveries. “The boom in natural “Rwanda’s growth is expected prospects are set at approx 6.9 gas production may eventually to be sustained at 7.6 per cent per cent and will rise to seven result in an even higher rate in 2013, driven by an expansion per cent in 2014, through a of growth in Tanzania,” said in services and construction, and significant boost from natural gas economists at the World Bank to stabilise at around seven per cent over the medium term,” said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on May 20.

According to AfDB, Uganda’s growth could reach 4.9 per cent in 2013 and 5.5 per cent in 2014 but could be lower if the suspension of budget support, announced by several donors in November 2012 is maintained.

“Resource-rich countries continue to benefit from relatively high commodity prices, although easing of global demand has reduced price levels. Good harvests have boosted agricultural production in many countries and also helped to mitigate adverse effects of high international food prices on consumers,” said AfDB president Donald Kaberuka.

Burundi is likely to stagnate at four per cent although the mining sector could lift the economy. The economy has grown at an average of four per cent a year from 2005 up to 2012 but is still fragile.

Mining is regarded as one of the sectors that will contribute to the projected economic growth in some EAC member states

Integration Affairs 29 June 2013 Regional The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda News

Minister Shem Bageine with colleagues at Ugandan Parliament after presenting the budget. Bageine presents Uganda’s state $130m EAC budget to minister for East African Affairs who Assembly is the chairperson of the EAC Council

The 2013/2014 Budget down and adoption of the requisite of Ministers Shem from $140million in the previous customs legal and operational Bageine Thursday Financial Year, prioritizes requirements coming into play 30TH May presented consolidating the Common of customs transit information Market; completion of negotiations (RADDEx 2) and the passing of Budget estimates for and movement towards the key legislation strengthening the Financial Year East African Monetary Union integration. 2013/2014. Protocol; investment promotion Other areas of achievements, and private sector development; the minister noted, included the co-operation in cross-border completion and commissioning infrastructure; enhancing the informed the House that the EAC of the rehabilitated Arusha- extractive and processing had signed an MoU with the UN Namanga-Athi River road, the industries; implementation of International Renewable Energy relocation of the EAC into the the critical activities of EAC Food Agency to realize the objective new Headquarter and enhanced Security and the mainstreaming and that work was in progress. sensitization and outreach of policies, programmes and programmes. The EAC, Bageine added had projects related to gender. further promoted the region as an On energy, the Chair of the Minister Bageine highlighted emerging destination in oil and Council of Ministers affirmed the a number of achievements gas exploration, development and region’s commitment towards registered in the FY 2012/2013, production. ensuring sustained and efficient notably the successful finalization energy use. In this regard, Bageine On the Common Market,

30 Integration Affairs June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

the Minister enumerated the extent expected to accrue The African Development Bank achievements and gains realized. from ongoing investment in (AfDB) is further expected to ‘The most significant development infrastructure and productive support the execution of priority during the period under review capacity and continuing robust studies under the EAC Railways is that the Republic of Rwanda domestic consumption in the Master Plan with the Studies enacted a new immigration law region. Consumer prices are expected to commence in (No 19/2011) which encompasses all projected to ease from 8.5 in September 2013 according to the provisions of the Common Market 2012 to 7.4 percent in 2013 while Minister. Protocol with regard to the free the current account deficit as On co-operation in political movement of persons and labour”. percentage of GDP is expected to affairs, the Minister remarked that improve marginally to about 10.6 “The Republic of Kenya also the EAC would conduct national percent”, he added. repealed the following laws that consultations on the model of were inhibiting free movement Presenting the Budget estimates, the structure of the EAC Political of persons; Immigration Act (Cap the Council Chairperson noted Federation. The consultations 172), Alien Restriction Act (Cap 173) that among the identified priority process is expected to be held in and Visa Regulations. These laws areas, were the interventions in the coming months with a report were replaced by the following the Customs Union leading to on the progress made at the 15th new laws: Kenya Citizenship and establishment of a single customs Summit of EAC Heads of State in Immigration Act No. 12 of 2011 territory. Bageine observed that November 2013. and Kenya Citizens and Foreign the single customs territory “will Other areas of priority for the Nationals Management Act No.31 crystallize the gains of integration 2013/2014 budget include the of 2011. Uganda too enacted a characterized by minimal internal implementation of the Free new law on insolvency in 2011 that border controls and a more Trade Area under the Tripartite conforms to the Common Market efficient institutional mechanism EAC-COMESA-SADC initiative, Protocol”, the Minister remarked. in clearing goods”. implementation of the EAC Food The minister stated that the On implementation of the Security and Climate Change region had maintained real GDP Common Market Protocol, Master Plan, enhancing the EAC at 5.5 percent against a harsh the emphasis will be on Industrialisation Strategy and the economic environment. The operationalization of the free support for the critical activities of minister however, reported of a movement of labor provisions, Lake Victoria Basin Commission. significant drop in inflation from as well as the integration of the The Budget is allocated to the 20. Percent to 8.5 percent aided regional financial markets to allow Organs and Institutions of the by monetary policy tightening for free movement of capital. EAC as follows; EAC Secretariat and lower food prices associated Co-operation in cross-border ($69,787,824), East African with a recovery in local food infrastructure development Legislative Assembly ($13,089,982) production. will see the commencement of and the East African Court of “Global prospects for 2013 have construction of the rehabilitation Justice ($4,279,489). The Inter- improved but the road to recovery of the Kayonza-Rusumo (Rwanda) University Council for East Africa in the advanced economies will and Rusumo-Rusahanga road shall receive $ 9,692,785 while $ remain a bumpy one. The Sub- (United Republic of Tanzania), 3,203,042 is earmarked for the Lake Saharan Africa region’s economic upgrading of the Nyakanazi – Victoria Fisheries Organisation. growth is projected to remain Kasulu-Kidahwe- Manyovu The FY 2013/2014 Budget is to constant at 5.3 percent in 2013. section (United Republic of be financed by Partner State In the EAC, however, economic Tanzania), rehabilitation of the contributions through the growth is projected to expand by Nyanza Lac – Rutunga (Burundi) Ministries of EAC ($37,297,442); 6.1 percent,” Bageine stated. and the assessment to profile the Partner States through other Kitale-Endebess –Suam in Kenya “The generally strong agencies ($7,249,252); Development to Suam in Uganda. performance is to a significant Partners support ($85,676,850); and other income ($205,850).

Integration Affairs 31 June 2013 Feature The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

rwanda’s business center: Where East Africa trade flows

Kigali City is quiet and serene, and a place you can take a walk on its streets without particularly bothering with the troubles and more so maddening noise and hooting of cars as normally experienced in a number of cities in East Africa.

However, this face of ambience is shattered immediately you arrive at Cartie Commerciale from any direction. Cartie Commerciale is the French lingo of Kigali down town commercial district. The first thing that attracts your eyes are the huge number of lorries parked to the rafters with goods that line up its bustling and

vibrant streets. Off-loading goods from trucks into the shops at Rwanda Business center The trucks we are reliably informed have traversed the At Cartie Commerciale , we entire East Africa region and noticed that comparisons with beyond, bringing in goods that other bustling streets in East Rwanda and other East Africa African cities of Nairobi and One major addition traders import in huge volumes Kampala is not complete without that has given it a daily to satisfy the basic and mentioning loaders who work other secondary needs of Kigali like beasts of burdens, carrying major facelift at residents and the other parts of heavy boxes, sacks, mattresses, Cartie Commerciale the country. everything, they take from the is the new Kigali lorries into the stores. They The comparisons between Central Market epitomize the industriousness, Cartie Commerciale with other of the small scale traders who commercial districts of other are busy contributing despite the EAC cities is a compelling story odds of the trait “a man must of how small scale traders go to live” kind of thinking of the East any lengths to do their business. African people that has now So while painting this picture Commerciale I could not help been told several times. of traders hustling their trade noticing why East Africa can Cartie Commerciale could be One major addition that has be said to be bustling with compared favourably with River given it a major facelift at Cartie goods of all manners. A number Road in Nairobi City and Kikuubo Commerciale is the new Kigali of the foodstuffs are from native area in Kampala City. Central Market. Upon visiting Rwanda while some are imported the new traders delight at Cartie from neighboring countries.

32 Integration Affairs June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

The streets at Cartie Commerciale are also teeming with people who have come to purchase these goods to take to different destinations in Kigali and the countryside. It is these people that pack this vibrant commercial center, entering and exiting the stores and taking their purchases to waiting vehicles that also dot the sides of the streets.

Walking into the stores that line the busy streets, you discover that the spirit of East Africa Community is alive in this busy section of Kigali City. The goods found here is a mosaic of the immense wealth of this vast region of over 140 million people.

Boxes of products from some of the major Kenyan industrial giants such as Bidco or Unilever can be found side by side by the goods manufactured by the Ugandan conglomerate Mukwano. Agricultural products such as tea, fish and bananas from neighboring Uganda are traded easily alongside truckloads of plastic products, foodstuff and or rice from Tanzania.

Azam the Tanzanian industrial The new Kigali Central Market that has given it a major facelift at Kigali Business Center power house has a serious brand presence in Cartie Commerciale. strong East African alcoholic is traded every single day. In the shops in this part of town brand and Kenya’s “Kenya Cane” Bank of Kigali (BK) Rwanda’s you will find soft drinks, beer a spirit made from Kenyan sugar. largest commercial bank by and just about all the consumer The traders intimated to me that market size and capitalization products that has made Azam into while travelling to Kenya to trade has a presence in this section a house hold name in Rwanda they take Rwandan goods such of Kigali. Others are Fina being freely stocked in Cartie as tea, coffee, hides, tin and ore Bank, Equity Bank and Banque Commerciale apart from other to a number of countries. Populaire du Rwanda and traders assorted items from Burundi. The streets of Cartie Commercial don’t have to walk long distances For the fun loving consumers also plays host to a number of to access banking services. I could not help noticing local and regional banks since There are also a number of Tanzania’s “Konyangi” Gin the the volume of trade like in stores selling various electronics true spirit of East Africa being River Road and Chikubo area of and clothes, shoes and bags that sold on the shelves alongside Nairobi and Kampala respectively are sourced outside the region Uganda’s “Waragi” another business worth millions of dollars

Integration Affairs 33 June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

via both the ports of Mombasa and Dar-es-Salaam.

Talking with the traders reveals just how much they have come to cherish the East Africa Community integration process. A number of them say that their businesses have grown in volume since the five East Africa partner states formed the regional bloc.

Claude Musemakweli, a Rwandan trader says that he imports a number of assorted goods from Kampala. He is fully aware of East Africa integration and affirms that traders like him are now enjoying its full benefits.

“Trading is now easier across the borders since we now import goods without difficulty. We don’t have problems crossing the borders with our goods and we are grateful for our leaders for their vision in bringing the five One of the busy roads leading to the Kigali Business Center East Africa states in one regional block.” Mr. Albert Maina a supplier of cross the East Africa borders than goods from Kenya on the other before. He also adds that the idea However, when asked if the hand says that all the countries of one border post is going to proposed one regional currency have not harmonized their laws make crossing the borders a less will bring a difference to his with the supreme laws of the tedious process. trade, Claude says he is adopting EAC, and calls for this to be Mr. Salim Mwanahidi, a a wait-and-see attitude adding done speedily must be taken as Tanzanian trader says that there that the five countries are at priority so that the trading field are many benefits that integration different stages of development could be leveled. It surprised me has brought to the regional and the common currency issue a lot that a small scale trader had business scene and he is upbeat might be the proverbial elephant a full grasp of regional issues. in the room if not well thought that integration will continue to out. Mr Maina adds, “We have a bring more benefits and calls problem with the number of upon the political leaders to “Rwanda and Burundi both tones of goods that are allowed remove the remaining barriers rely on most of its goods from in each country. Why can’t all the so that East Africans can trade other countries. We still don’t countries agree on a uniform axle more freely in the region without have enough industries that can load so that we are not forced to inhibitions. compete favorably in the regional pay for extra loads of goods when My conclusion is that Cartie market. Thus, talk of a single we enter into other countries?” currency is eventually going to Commerciale is the face of the be tricky to implement in my But he agrees that he has new East Africa, especially when own view given this disparity,” he seen positive change since the it comes to trade. Here, traders adds. integration process commenced, from all over the five partner adding that it’s now easier to states converge to do business.

34 Integration Affairs June 2013 Export your local products to Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda free of customs duties. Export your local products to Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda free of customs duties.

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some of East Africa’s business and talented women

The Integration Magazine came up with a snapshot professional expertise from other EAC of the top 10 businesswomen who are assisting countries thereby narrating Mukarubega’s in various ways with positively impacting with the success story, which is filled with struggle, integration process. In this list readers will find high commitment, patience, risk and aggressiveness. impact businesswomen who are making a difference The mother of four recalls her childhood as an in the society apart from boosting the prospects of endured struggle to attain formal education in the integration process. a family that was not able to provide her with everything she needed. The editors at The Integration Magazine selected women who are known to be going beyond the traditional definition of business success. The women profiled are what one may simply refer to as change- Janet Nkubana, Founder president of agents in East Africa since it is accepted that these Gahaya Links, Rwanda women have the clout and authority to transform 2 East Africa in various thrilling ways. Janet Nkubana is considered as a role model for Rwanda’s Madam Zulfat Mukarubega, Founder of underprivileged. Rwanda Tourism University College A renowned 1 businesswoman, she Back in 1973 in Rwanda in a was awarded the 2008 society where women had very Africa Prize for her work limited opportunities, Zulfat in uplifting her compatriots. She grew up in a Mukarubega used a paltry refugee camp and returned to Rwanda after the Rwf5,000 to open up a mini 1994 genocide to work as a hotelier. Often women restaurant near a garage in would beg for food at the hotel, using baskets as Muhazi, (located in Kayonza barter. She started to buy them and sold them District in the Eastern in the hotel. As demand grew, she encouraged Province), which would the women to weave in groups and form a co- later go on to initiate operative, Gahaya Links soon came into being. her among Rwanda’s Tutsis and Hutus soon wove together, forgetting top entrepreneurs. their historical antagonism. The movement is By 2011 Mukarubega, 53, was named by Rwanda now a major producer and exporter of baskets Development Board as the Woman Entrepreneur and jewellery, empowering the women both of 2010 in recognition for her contribution towards economically and socially. Gahaya employs close improving the quality of customer care in the country to 4,000 people. by setting up the Rwanda Tourism University College Gahaya Links has emerged as a handicrafts (RTUC). company in Rwanda that empowers local rural The college is now playing a leading role women to achieve economic stability. Its “peace in Rwanda’s education system by attracting baskets” are sold in Africa and the United States.

36 Integration Affairs June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

Susan Mashibe, Njeri Rionge, leading enteprenuer TanJet, Tanzania 3 and CEO Wananchi Online, Kenya 4 Born in Kigoma, Tanzania, Susan Njeri Rionge began Mashibe decided early in life she her working life as would fly. She dreamt of life as a a hairdresser but she Delta Airline 777 Captain, traveling always had bigger the world. Yet circumstances entrepreneurial dreams. surrounding the At 19 years old, she September 11 began her first business as a terrorist attacks yoghurt retailer and soon brought her began trading back to her luxury homeland, goods jobless as the and with opportunity arose. In 2000, she co-founded only prospects for being underemployed. At the Wananchi Online, an affordable internet service suggestion of a South African client, Susan turned provider for anyone who wanted to access the her skills and experience as Tanzania’s only aircraft internet. Wananchi became East Africa’s first engineer and FAA-certified commercial pilot into internet service provider oriented towards the mass TanJet, a private jet logistics firm. She founded market. She has since turned Wananchi Online into Tanjet in 2003. Wananchi Group, the region’s leading provider of cable television, broadband internet and internet- Tanjet is an international fixed base operations based phone services. She is also the founder of service, providing logistical support for corporate, Ignite Consulting, a business consultancy; Ignite diplomatic, and private jets. TanJet is the first Lifestyle, a health care consultancy; Insite, one company of its kind in Tanzania and has of Kenya’s most successful digital marketing transformed the way business aviation operates in companies; and Business Lounge, Kenya’s leading East Africa. Tanjet’s clients include Heads of State, start-up incubator. Njeri Rionge is the quintessential monarchs, Fortune 500 executives, celebrities, and serial entrepreneur, passionate about start-ups. She military flights. Ms. Mashibe is also the owner of is widely acclaimed as a speaker and writer, sharing Kilimanjaro Aviation Logistic Center, a company that her entrepreneurial experiences with young aspiring processes landing and overflight clearances for entrepreneurs. private jets throughout the African continent.

Ms. Mashibe was recently recognized by World Economic Forum as a 2011 Young Global Leader. The honor recognizes up to 200 outstanding young leaders from around the world for their professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world.

She was also recipient of the Fortune Most Powerful Women Mentee, The Tanzania women of Achievement Award, The Women in Aviation International Achievement Award and Archbishop Tutu Fellowship.

Integration Affairs 37 June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

Silvia Awori, Tabitha Karanja, Fashion icon, Uganda 5 Keroche Breweries, Kenya 6 Tabitha Karanja broke an Sylvia Owori is one of today’s 87-year old spell when leading figures in East Afric’’s she announced that fashion, media, and modeling her successful alcohol industries, famous for both her production company, entrepreneurial skills as Keroche Breweries, well as for her creative would be talent. producing the Her designs are first “truly appreciated by a very Kenyan” large public in Uganda beer, and her participation in a Summit variety of prestigious Lager. A daring businesswoman, Tabitha went into events all over Africa the fortified wine industry with her husband in have worked to make early 1997 and for over a decade battled with large her a respected designer multinationals and fierce competitors that used throughout the continent. both intimidation and brute force to push her out Sylvia’s contribution towards of business. Against all odds, Keroche Breweries Ugand’s development not only reinvented itself but became the first was recently recognized Kenyan manufacturer of beer. Her enterprise has by President Museveni grown from a small factory with three rooms to a himself, when in June 2006 multi-million dollar facility that employs hundreds she received the Presidential of Kenyans. Keroche beers now claim 20 percent Transformers Award. of the East African beer market, a market once considered impenetrable. In 2010 she was awarded Sylvia’s style is recognized the Moran of Burning Spear (MBS) award by his as being bold while staying approachable. Excellency President Mwai Kibaki for her efforts to Her break into fashion happened when she took liberalize the Kenyan liquor industry. on the challenge of revitalizing the “Miss Uganda Beauty Pageant”, (2001-2004) which following her input became one of the most significant events Juliana Rotich on the Ugandan social calendar. She also revealed Co-Founder Ushahidi, Kenya her innovative talent by designing outfits for the 7 contestants of the M-Net Face of Africa in Dar es Rotich is Co- Salaam (2000) and Cape Town, which resulted in Founder and immense acclaim from the public as well as from Executive fashion critics. Following this positive feedback, Director of Sylvia was appointed to design the Nokia Face of Ushahidi, a Africa’s Ugandan finalis’s outfit in 2001. Nairobi-based She has shown her capacity for looking ahead and tech company taking risks by starting the first modeling agency that specializes in the Uganda and thereafter launched “African in developing free Woman” the first high quality women’s magazine and open source of the kind in the region, following a philosophy software that of focusing on themes ranging from fashion to life aggregates style and health; topics that are pertinent to the and curates contemporary women of East Africa. crisis data on a real-time basis and collates the data

38 Integration Affairs June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

into live, interactive maps. She was named one of the Kisyombe saw an opportunity to make a profit by “Top 100 Women” by the Guardian newspaper, “Top offering the services that women lacked. Selfina 2 Women” in Technology and “Social Entrepreneur (Sero Lease and Finance Ltd.), the company Kisyombe of the Year” in 2011 by The World Economic Forum. started, offered a credit window exclusively for Rotich is a technologist and a TED Senior Fellow. women and focused on two products: (1) leasing equipment on a financial, rather than an operational, basis (where the lessee has the right to ultimately Julian Nyamahunge Omalla, own the assets) and (2) buying women’s equipment when they needed liquidity and then allowing them Founder of Delight Ltd, Uganda 8 to keep the equipment on lease. She runs Uganda’s largest home grown juice manufacturing Clarrise Iribagiza Karungi company in Uganda, producing CEO Hehe Ltd, Rwanda the “Cheers” brand of soft 10 drinks. In addition Julian Iribagiza is the CEO of Nyamahunge Omalla Hehe Ltd, a Rwandan mobile has since diversified applications development her business firm. She and other to incorporate engineering students at interests in Rwanda’s Kigali Institute commercial of Science and Technology farming, grain started HeHe Limited handling and bakery. in 2010. The company The company has annual revenues of $3.9 grew out of training the million and up to 2,000 employees, with students received from markets in Uganda and Sudan. Twelve years ago, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology program, her business partner absconded with the money “Accelerating Information Technology Innovation”, she had put up to buy stock, leaving her with only designed to foster entrepreneurship and software- “a wheelbarrow to take fruit to sell at the market related business development in Rwanda. and a red dress I would wash out every night.” At just 23 years old, Clarisse is a businesswoman However her fortunes changed drastically when and a CEO of of a company that has quickly Uganda Investment Authority gave her the title of become one of East Africa’s leading mobile Woman Job creator of 2010. development companies. She was the recent winner Since being licensed in October 2001 to engage in of a reality TV show, “Inspire Africa,” a 13-week the production of fresh juice Delight Ltd responded “Apprentice”-style show that brought together 24 to the government’s call for increased investment young Rwandan, Ugandan, Kenyan and Tanzanian and diversification and over time the company has a entrepreneurs. diversified portfolio in excess of over USD 14 million. Hehe limited is now at the forefront of the mobile technological revolution, providing powerful new Victoria Ksyombe, Founder and CEO ways for businesses and organizations to reach Sero Lease and Finance Ltd, Tanzania 9 their audience fast, affordably and conveniently. In 2011, she together with other young ICT Victoria Kisyombe trained as a veterinary doctor entrepreneurs Iribagiza launched The iHills, and thereafter worked for the local government, Rwanda’s tech start-up network, founded on the treating local animals. simple premise that Rwanda can be the birthplace She had not intended to end up in the financing of the next big thing in technology. The iHills business. But when she saw a situation she could continues to provide mentoring, access to finance not ignore -- Tanzanian women’s need to provide and markets for tech start-ups in Rwanda. for themselves and their families -- innovation came naturally.

Integration Affairs 39 June 2013 Feature The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

ICOW from Kenya Mobile: A life changing This is the “world first mobile technology for East Africans phone cow calendar”. ICOW is One can notice the increasing day African problems that has been a Kenyan number of mobile phone presence itching East Africans for a long based sms and voice-based mobile in East Africa equipped with time. A lot of applications in East phone application which has shown swanky applications that can blow Africa has been a life saver to most impact to small hold farmers in your mind. Africa is a region of and others have been a source of Kenya on daily management of innovation and inventive minds. income. Innovation labs like M:lab, the dairy farm. The application Today’s technological era has fast iHub in Kenya, I-Network in Uganda, is essential for dairy cow rearing grown with the large number eThinkTank in Tanzania and K-lab where notifications are sent of mobile phone subscribers, in Rwanda, are innovation centers to subscribers with detailed making mobile phones the most serving the regions technology information and advice on widely available system for communities offering free open different livestock productions, communicating. The mobile phone space for technologists, inventors, animal nutrients, feeding patterns, applications that exist in East Africa companies, hackers and students features ranges from monitoring largely focus on SMS services as who are writing projects, with the gestation period of dairy cows. the work on all devices from low their main focus on ideas to boost It has enabled small scale farmers end to high end phones. development and business growth to keep track of livestock, it collects in the area of mobile applications. The advancement has fast driven and stores dairy products providing mobile application creators to vital tips on breeding. Agricultural innovative build applications specifically for applications M-Farm from Kenya education, agriculture, health, E-SOKO from Rwanda small businesses and financial transactions. This has paved the road to successful development progress through applications focusing on enabling the needs M-Farm a Kenyan based mobile E-Soko has emerged as the of previously unserved the rural applicationt enables farmers in most favored and widely used populations. rural areas to get access to real time application in Rwanda, managed market prices on their products, In East Africa some of the by the Ministry of Agriculture and allowing them to establish and applications that have been Animal Resources .The application maintain a business relationship developed are now life changing is a World Bank funded project with potential buyers thereby solutions for African problems. to bridge the information gap reducing the cost of transaction on With poverty still visible including through the usage of ICT to help their goods . The mobile app which inadequate healthcare, education, empower farmers for better. The was founded by Jamila Abass and and finance, the development of application platform is intended to Susan Oguya has benefited farmers mobile applications has created a accommodate the usage of mobile directly in looking for buyers to new avenue on how their usage phone to access the latest market purchase their products as well can transform the region. It is prices for agricultural commodities. as purchasing farming inputs and now possible for everyone with The platform uses the MTN equipment’s directly from Agri- a cellphone to use applications network, where users can send manufactures and dealers. like M-Pesa to transfer money to messages to 7656 in order to get other mobile phone users. Today market prices.At the moment the The mobile application platform statistics indicates that M-Pesa developers are working with other consist of the usage of java, transacts over $50million in Kenya. telecommunication companies to android and web application with Software innovators have reached initiate a plan for users in other a large database where messages a point where they can solely focus networks to access the application. are sent to the users. The platform their applications to solve day to also provides users with location of

40 Integration Affairs June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

farmers, suppliers, input dealers and of the informal sector to effectively The game is a virtual reality of sources of credits. The application’s manage their economic activities obstacles matatu drivers encounter ingenuity was meant to match from their mobile device at a cheap in the streets of Nairobi such as farmers with buyers but at the cost designed to maximize the potholes, cars coming at you in the same time excluding extortionist availability of business software wrong directions, with pedestrians the brokers and middle-men. to the informal sector. The apps to lookout for while trying to focus intends to improve book-keeping in order to get your passengers to Financial Mobile Applications within informal sector businesses their destination safe, is the motive M-Pesa by providing accessibility to easy- of the game to-use business management software via the mobile phone. The Community journalism mobile application is currently available application on WAP/Mobile web and as an Ushahidi Android application.

M-Pesa meaning mobile money “East Africa’s potential is huge in Swahili is an international if you ask me. Smartphone renowned mobile application which penetration is currently at about has led the way on the ease of 10-15 percent in East Africa alone. money transaction with the usage If you look at past trends, Africa is of mobile phones. It is now touted usually a laggard when it comes One of the applications that has as a mobile phone based money to the uptake of new devices in caught the eyes of technology transfer platform for Safaricom the technology space. I believe enthusiasts is Ushahidi which and Vodacom, the largest mobile smartphone penetration could in Swahili means “witness”. The network operators in Kenya and easily hit 60-70 percent in the next Ushahidi mobile application was Tanzania. M-Pesa mobile app can few years and developers who are created in the aftermath of the 2007 be used by anyone with a mobile currently focusing on indigenous contentious Kenya’s presidential phone and the benefit of it is that apps to solve problems unique to elections. It is an information those with non-formal banking can the East Africa market will reap collection based mobile apps that have access to M-Pesa services, massively. We believe we are in collected eye-witness reports on with subscription to the Safaricon this space.” Said Edwin Seno the acts of violence which it places network. developer of the application. on google map with a timeline of events in and around Kenya. The M-Pesa has swayed millions of concept used here is known as Kenyans to send money through Mobile game application crowd sourcing which acquires their SMS network, over 15 million Ma3Racer information from groups of people people are using the application Ma3Racer or communities and combines the for paying electricity bills, buying h a s information for distribution. goods, school fees, and saving of emerged money. Safaricom has partnered as one of The information projected by with over 100 organizations willing to the most Ushahidi when reporting violent accept payments using the M-Pesa popular act is far more reliable than service such as banks, microfinance m o b i l e typical media services in Kenya associations, insurance companies applications as individuals can send SMS or as well as government bodies. in East emails on current events and the Besides Kenya’s version of M-Pesa, Africa, launched in 2011 with information is presented on a map Vodacom has launched the service over 850,000 downloads in 200 of violence hot spots. The Ushahidi in it Tanzania, Afghanistan, India, countries. The mobile application application has been adapted and South Africa, making it the denotes Ma3 (Matatu) which is in many other countries where most widely used East African a Kenyan application created by violence and tragedy occurs. For application in the world. Planet Rackus. The creativity of the instance, it was used in South game and its challenges involves Africa to track the anti-immigrants Jamobi the user being behind the wheel violence and in Haiti it reported real Jamobi is a of a matatu (minibus) and driving time situation on the Earthquake mobile software around the busy streets of Nairobi disaster. solution that with obstacles in place to tackle. allows members

Integration Affairs 41 June 2013 Feature The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

My short story as a visiting journalist in Rwanda

My first significant and the most that is treated very seriously. agree that their own cities can exciting personal assignment Normally those in authority be comfortable places to live in if as a journalist when I finally ensure that cleaning which is they emulate how Kigali is kept settled in Kigali was to cover the above the norm is taken as part clean. electrifying one week Jamafest of the larger preparation for However, I have come to fall in festival that Rwanda hosted in welcoming the visitors. Once love with Kigali not only because Kigali City. the house is sparkling clean, the of its inviting cleanliness. The I had the chance to interact with different people from all corners of East Africa and what thrilled me the most was their unity of purpose: To use their culture and arts to further the course of East Africa Community integration.

Speaker after speaker said that they had learned many things from Rwanda, which they would proudly take with them back home. This was one of the major achievements of the festival for people came, saw and went back with a powerful message that the One of the exciting photos i took from the event i first covered in Kigali, the Jamafest people of East Africa were united and were ready to break free children it goes without saying, security is excellent. People of from the existing and amorphous are ordered to be of the best all nationals feel secure here: colonial boundaries that had behavior. They walk during the day and they walk during the night confined them in their enclaves Thus, in my understanding of without looking at their backs for the last 50 years or so. the situation my train of thought that something ugly is lurking The message that resonated was that Kigali’s cleanliness, and behind. with the crowds was that the smile on the faces of its there is need to explore new people during this time was only During the late night weekends opportunities that are now in for the purpose of the cultural some parts of Kigali take on the plenty since the five East African visitors and after that things life of vibrancy that am used to countries formed a regional would go back to “normal.” which is a new thing altogether as I am told. Nakumatt the well bloc. Another running theme But my thinking was proved known Kenyan supermarket has that most of them echoed is wrong in different ways. Every successfully championed the Kigali’s cleanliness and again, day, Kigali streets are very concept of 24 hour shopping they promised to borrow this and clean and this is one of its most in order to extend the working preach it in their own countries. seductive charms that attract hours something that resonates In a typical African setting, people from the region. I had the well with the impeccable work expecting visitors is something chance to talk to many people ethic that Rwandans have. I have from East Africa and they all

42 Integration Affairs June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

noticed that local banks open past the normal 3.00 pm that people of Kenya are used. This is highly commendable, especially I have come to fall in love with Kigali not when EAC Partner States want only because of its inviting cleanliness. to borrow from the Asian Tiger model of becoming regional The security is excellent. People of all economic giant. nationals feel secure here. But what is so much admirable, which the world in general and East African countries in particular should copy from Rwanda is that thrill of “Intore” dancers and by a drum orchestra, which government officials are there to singers. More so I have noticed typically comprises seven to serve the people, and they do that Rwandans also love their nine members, and collectively this without showing any form beautiful art and her capable produce a hypnotic and exciting of what I may call a “superiority artists have captured and explosion set of intertwining complex”. The other way of manifested many features of the rhythms. putting it is that Rwandan civil country’s culture in physical form Lucky visitors may chance service is all about serving the through drawings and carvings. upon spontaneous traditional citizens with diligence. For an East African, I think performances in the villages of I had the opportunity to see that this preservation despite Rwanda. The finest exponent of this on several occasions where the country’s tragic past is very Rwanda’s varied and dynamic senior government officials arrive commendable. Many of the traditional musical and dance at public functions not with artifacts can be seen in the styles, however, is the Intore overbearing authority or pompous streets of Kigali or homesteads. Dance Troupe. ceremony as I have seen in other I am even thinking that with But like people everywhere, countries. When ministers, for integration opening up a wider Rwandans really appreciate example, are attending functions, market, the unique Rwandan it when visitors speak a few they don’t come with chase cars art no doubt will soon gain words in their mother tongue and retinues of bodyguards and acceptance in the region. of Kinyarwanda. Even saying hangers-on as is the case with Dance and music, as I have come “Muraho” (good day) or “amakuru” some countries I know. to realize, play a vital role in the (how are you?) will bring a smile I have noted with a lot of interest traditions of all Rwandan people. to their faces. that senior public officials also The Rwandan community has mingle with people and freely a variety of music and answer to journalist’s questions. dance ranging from The other day I had what I can acts that demonstrate term as a rare encounter at epics commemorating Nakumatt as a visiting journalist. excellence and I saw a minister shopping freely bravery to even and lining up at the tills to pay his humor. Traditional bills just like any other person. songs are normally Such a thing cannot happen in accompanied by other EAC countries that I know. solitary “lulunga”, a Again, I have discovered that harp-like instrument nothing defines Rwandan with eight strings. culture than the warm hospitality More celebratory of its peoples especially , the dances are backed

Integration Affairs 43 June 2013 Feature The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

The exotic structures, well paved and clean streets are some of the many unforgetable sights in Kigali city Living and integrating comfortably in Kigali

Kigali City is rapidly emerging is one of the safest and most picked apart and gone. Well, I as a hub linking East and Central honest place you can ever visit retraced my steps from the bank, African economies. This linkage on the continent. Yes, I must say to Nakumatt grocery store and has enabled the city to position there could be black spots here finally to the cafe. When I walked itself as an important nodal and there, but overall, the score in a waiter I had a few days point for enabling the closer ties is up there, compared to majority before spotted me and with a to be forged between both the of African capitals. big smile said “Hi, Hope, are you two economic regions of Africa. missing something?” I could have To prove this point, here is a cried on the spot. They found my For that reason, many East testimony from an American wallet and contacted me in vain Africans and others from far who wrote thus on his blog: “I and decided to keep it. afield are now calling Kigali managed to drop my wallet in a their adopted city. Getting it cafe in Kigali which included most Security right in terms of settling down to of my money, passport, credit Security is not so much of an live and work in Kigali should be card and drivers license. We issue in Kigali. While in most East seen as an important “must do” went in for breakfast and went African cities there are areas you first timers eager to make Kigali off to visit some sites outside of are advised not to venture into at their new city. Kigali. I had some money in my any time of the day, but in Kigali pocket so never noticed until the it is safe to walk anywhere at any By the Kigali City Rover late afternoon that my wallet was time…take the usual precautions Safety missing. My heart practically fell as you may, to avoid twisting No matter where you go you out of my body I was so scared! your ankle dodging the terrain always need to be on alert, but Anywhere else in the world, or trip and fall, but not worrying I have to say that Rwanda as a including my home city of New about encountering anything whole and Kigali I particular York, that wallet would’ve been else more worrying. Don’t be

44 Integration Affairs June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

intimidated by the soldiers and policemen standing by the roadside or walking is a single file brandishing guns. These are a measure against terrorism, due to the recent grenade throwing incidents. If anything the security operatives patrolling the streets of Kigali are the most humane you will encounter in Africa.

What to do and not to do Kigali guards its cleanliness jealously and once on the streets, DO NOT LITTER! There are side bins for this and are quite easy to spot. Eating anything in public is not a problem in Kigali, but Rwandan culture does not encourage it but neither does it forbid it. You may munch your snack as you walk up the clean Kigali is an ordely city that is emerging as a true metropolis in the EAC sidewalks of downtown, but be warned that the surprised stares uncomfortable when these ethnic arrest you for the mistake they might kill your appetite. Do not tags are mentioned especially in flagged you down for, and add spit! public. People would rather be the charge of trying to bribe Ethnic tags called Rwandans. Or just by their a police officer. When flagged In East Africa people find it names or nicknames. down while driving, simply stop and provide documents that you easy to call each other by their Do not try to bribe a traffic are being asked to give, if there tribes but due to our recent sad policeman is a problem, politely explain and history, it is not proper take such Corruption in Rwanda is taboo, you never know, you might be a route. People are discouraged and unlike in many East African left to go scot free. to dwell on the words Hutu or cities, policemen here will not Tutsi. It makes majority of people take a bribe. They will instead

Integration Affairs 45 June 2013 Feature The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

we are one people and we want to remove all barriers that separate us so that people can move from country to country without being bothered by bureaucracies.

Nemba Border Post serving EAC citizens One Stop Border Posts: Nemba leads by example

Nemba Border Post is a at Nemba/Gasenyi on 13 February prototype of what the new East 2012, the Minister for Foreign African Community borders Affairs and Cooperation Hon. should be. When Integration Louise Mushikiwabo observed: Affairs Magazine recently visited “The East African integration’s Nemba to find out how One-Stop big picture is to efficiently border points operate, we found remove all barriers to trade and out that traders from all over movement of people throughout East Africa give a thumbs up for the region. In this region, we Mr. Ntangada Faustin, a long Nemba, saying that this should are one people and we want to distance trucker says that he is be emulated within all the remove all barriers that separate happy with what both Rwanda borders making up the regional us so that people can move from and Burundi did to establish the bloc. country to country without being one stop border post and hopes Most traders and travelers bothered by bureaucracies.” that other countries are going to interviewed agreed that one follow suit in order to remove And that’s the vision that traders border posts will enhance and the major barriers that still are now saying have eased their accelerate business transactions hamper the flow of trade within travels for they now find it not within member-states of the East the borders of East Africa. cumbersome to move across Africa Community (EAC). either the side of Rwanda and He says that he has been When speaking during the Burundi when crossing Nemba operating between Burundi, launch of One Stop Border Post border facility. Rwanda and Tanzania and

46 Integration Affairs June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

occasionally travels to Kenya with the establishment of Nemba countries of Rwanda and Burundi to pick up goods he imports to one stop border post, adding joined EAC. “I import shoes, Burundi from 1995. He is full of that in other border posts, they clothes and kitchenware from praise for Nemba border, saying take over an hour to cross the Kampala to Burundi and unlike that the efficiency found in the border. “Here, it’s a matter of less before, it’s currently easier to facility should act as an example than 30 minutes. We don’t have to cross the borders. Once you have to other borders posts. wait for that long to proceed with your passport and trading license, our journey.” “We should do away with no- then you are free to pass the man’s land and harmonize border borders with minimum hassle.” operations so that traders and Habonimana adds that she travelers don’t spend inordinately hopes all the borders will be like long time when crossing the Nemba since it takes lesser time borders. In other border posts, than the others to cross through it normally takes us more than it. “My business has also grown 5 hours, and even days for our exponentially over the last few goods to be cleared. However, it years since it is now easy to takes us even less than one hour transact business among the EAC here.” Partner States than before. “

He adds that the one stop border Chantel Habonimana, a Burundi She adds that in the spirit of point has succeeded in benefiting trader operating in the three East Africa community, she hopes traders by providing quality and EAC states of Burundi, Rwanda to expand her business and quick service and speedy delivery and Kenya echoes the same import and export goods to the of goods and services between sentiments, adding that Nemba other regions of the EAC such as the two countries. border post is the best thing that Tanzania and Kenya. Mr. Ntangada also welcomed has happened to traders crossing Mrs Grace Nikiza, a second the recent move by East Africa the borders of EAC states. hand clothes dealer says that Legislative Assembly (EALA) for “There are still some bureaucratic with one border post, safety passing the long-awaited One hurdles we experience in a of transit goods is assured. “At Stop Border Posts Bill, 2012, saying number of border posts when Nemba, I have not lost any of my such a bill when assented to by we are either importing or goods because of the short time EAC Heads of States is going to exporting our goods and lengthy it takes for clearance. However, facilitate trade and movement of procedures to be followed like because of the longer time it people and services within the stamping of the passports. But takes in some borders and the Community. with one border posts, we hope fact that you move from one such problems are going to be border post to another within the completely solved.” same border crossing, it’s easy to lose your goods when crossing .” Habonimana observes that the one stop border concept is going With the East Africa Community to be the panacea of reducing the going a notch higher after EALA amount of time taken by traders in passed the bill establishing a clearing their documents, adding number of One Border Posts, the that the objective of Rwanda traders are optimistic that the and Burundi of facilitating trade volume of trade within the EAC across borders has already been is going to increase and most achieved at Nemba. importantly, that they are going to take lesser time to pass the She says that she has seen Mr. E. Ntaganda, a driver with borders and benefit from more a good business opportunity Jaguar Bus Company says that efficient management of the created ever since the two transport has been made easier borders.

Integration Affairs 47 June 2013 Feature The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

Royal Car Wash is a popular gathering place for East Africans in Rwanda Royal Car Wash, the Kenya’s “Nyama Choma” “Embassy in Rwanda”

Royal Car Wash- a popular partly explains the increasing in Rwanda that truly integrates social joint in down town Kigali popularity of Royal Car Wash in East Africans. This is made has occupied a unique position Rwanda’s capital city. possible through a unique in Rwanda’s rapidly changing marketing strategy fine tuned by The Royal Car Wash has entertainment scene. Francis its management but is mostly evolved over time to be a leading Wahome Waihenya is the man championed by Rwandans and entertainment brand in Kigali. It is widely known in Kigali City as boosted by other East Africans, many things to different category the manager of this particular according to Wahome as we of people living and even visiting social gathering place that is sat down to have the exclusive Kigali. “Car wash” as it is simply popularizing a Kenyan delicacy interview . known is recognized as a “Nyama Choma” in Kigali . highly popular meeting place for Because of the prominence “Nyama Choma” is meat roasted business and pleasure. It is also a of “Car Wash” in the hearts of over an open charcoal oven. melting point for the East African many Kenyans, Mr. Wahome The business model pursued by Community (EAC) and what may by extension holds the widely Wahome has since transformed also surprise you is that it is recognized but unofficial post of The Royal Car Wash into a the unofficial embassy of Kenya “alternate Kenyan Ambassador regional and by extension an in Rwanda! It is a hideout for to Rwanda”. This position is not internationally recognized place extinguishing home sickness for anything officially recognized by for anyone wishing to partake Kenyans working in Rwanda. the Kenyan state apparatus or the in the famous Kenyan delicacy EAC but many Kenyans living in Another key attribute is that it while in Kigali. This is what Rwanda have looked at The “Car is one of the few social places

48 Integration Affairs June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

wash” for a number of services plate of “Choma, Kaunga and Kigali. similar to what a consular office Kachumbari” (roast meat served The next day after my interview in other countries would render with Kenyan salads and a ball with Mr Wahome, was 1st to its people in the absence of white maize meal) while June Kenya’s Madaraka Day. of an official embassy. Other engaging friends and colleagues Throughout that Saturday Car people would rather Mr Wahome in a chat at a relatively secluded Wash exploded literally as its be called the official Kenyan section of Car Wash. provided the best avenue in “Nyama Choma” Ambassador to I was conducting the interview Kigali for Kenyans to celebrate Rwanda. on a month end Friday afternoon along with other East Africans Sample this. for all Kenyan and in the spirit of jolliness that their country’s golden jubilee. dignitaries visiting Rwanda, it Kenyans are known for their love My conservative estimate is is the unwritten rule rather for “Tusker beer going down that over 500 people must have than an exception to pay Car with Choma” in Kigali, Car Wash converged at Car Wash for the Wash a courtesy call. The idea on any typical Friday sets the tone party. at hand here is that a visiting for serious weekend partying in Kenyan dignitary especially top politicians would feel more at home here by having “Nyama “Car Wash” where “Nyama Choma” Choma” while getting to bond provides linkages between Rwanda, with Kenyans working and living in Rwanda in a more relaxed Kenya and the whole world setting away from the rigours that come with officialdom or Integration experts will tell you diplomatic protocol. that there are those other softer The list of those who have aspects of integration that are made such an important social also equally very important call to Car Wash would reveal in deepening the process just its importance in Kigali. His as you will find the normal Excellency President Uhuru process being championed by Kenyatta and his Deputy William bureaucrats. Ruto are some of the VIP guests The social amenities that can who are widely known to have effectively boost integration enjoyed during their visits to Mr. Francis Wahome, Manager of Royal car includes places that serve food, Rwanda the famous “Mbavu” Wash music, entertainment and places (goat ribs) served in this place. Kigali City is fast transitioning for different cultures to merge. The same applies to former into a truly East African It is more about people drawn Kenyan Premier Raila Odinga metropolis. This fact is brought from different countries and who is said to have fallen in love to the surface when one cities making up East Africa with the equally popular dish of considers that Kigali is now getting together to enjoy unity “Nyama choma and Sukuma wiki” home to thousands of people of purposes from a more relaxed (roast meat served with kales). from all countries that make East environment. While I sat Mr. Wahome for Africa. With the increase in the While Kigali City is blessed with the interview, I could not help number of East Africans there is such places, The Royal Car Wash noticing from the corner of my corresponding huge increase in stands out head over shoulders the number of social places that eyes a famous and decorated in this special category of places have mushroomed in Kigali that Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) championing the integration are known to be championing the three star general straight from agenda. At any given minute in regional play of all things social a mission abroad devouring a Kigali “Car Wash” stands out as in Rwanda.

Integration Affairs 49 June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

a place that plays host to more delivering the natural taste Because of this dynamic, Car East Africans and even those of foods. People also like the Wash is the place that Kenyans from further afield than any other outdoor ambiance that we offer visiting Kigali connect at first place. not forgetting the fact that there hand with Rwanda. That same are other amenities linked to our applies to other East Africans. It was for this reason that I sat facility that serves to give us our It is the melting pot of East down the manager Mr Francis unique touch. That way, you find Africans in Kigali. It is a unique Waihenya Wahome in order to people from all over the world place where East African foods acquaint our readers with the coming to converge at Car Wash provides the connection that one secrets behind the success that some of them being tourists needs. “Car Wash” uses on a daily basis staying at leading hotels while to link “Nyama Choma” the “How has Car Wash impacted visiting Rwanda.” main East African delicacy that is in boosting expertise of the local served on the menu with Kenya, With that kind of thinking Car hospitality industry in Rwanda?”, Rwanda and the rest of the whole Wash has played host to some of was my next question. world to form a bustling social the big names in East Africa. “A “In very many ways”, Wahome beehive in down town Kigali . vast majority of visiting Kenyan says adding that, “ For starters, VIPs are normally very eager to “It is about providing quality over 300 people have passed sample our services. It is more food and related service in through our hands and they are about the reputation that we have a consistently fresh readily making the difference in the cultivated apart from the fact that available manner every day industry. We are also aware we have the largest portion of our without failing”, Wahome kicks of the fact that Car Wash has clients being from East Africa”. off the interview. I totally agreed aspired others to establish similar with his business model since I Current Kenyan President facilities in other parts of Kigali am aware that most East Africans Uhuru Kenyatta while serving as which is a very encouraging in Rwanda are very demanding Deputy Prime Minister under trend. The “Nyama Choma” that when it comes to service. the previous government is one we serve is done by Rwandans of the VIPs who have patronized and that goes to show you how “The main issue is to maintain Car Wash. So my question was: we are encouraging the bonding these demanding standards in “ Do you think President Uhuru of different cooking cultures in terms of quality and volume so Kenyatta can come back after East Africa”. that client’s expectations are met being named President of Kenya effectively no matter where they What is your parting shot?” I for a plate of “Mbavu and Ugali”? come from ”, he adds. wanted to let go of a man who I asked him. was being called left right and “But how is Car Wash able to “I would not doubt President centre by clients, workers and maintain the spirit of East Africa?”, Kenyatta coming back here”, was suppliers and services providers that particular perspective was his reply. I quickly told Wahome who needed his attention. an important item about Car that if such a wish comes to pass Wash that I wanted to know. “Over the years we have then it will be very big boost developed some kind of a touch “It Is about offering variety for the facility that serves on with our clients so that clients though in the minds of clients average over 300 people during want to bond with us. We are we are positioned as the premier weekdays and double that during there for them. Of course that Nyama Choma hub of Rwanda. weekends. Over 70 percent of the has been made possible due to But it is equally important for patrons are from East Africa and the integration process currently people to know that we do all the other parts of the world. on going. Rwandans are very major East African foods”. “But I must say that it is the steadfast in embracing the spirit Wahome adds; “We serve remaining 30 percent of the of the East African Community “Nyama Choma” the way it is locals who entice the rest. This is which we consider to be the done back at home. The same very important segment to us”. key in enabling our business to applies to other foods. It is about thrive”.

50 Integration Affairs June 2013 Ministry of east african community (MINEAC)

MINAFFET Building 4th Floor | P.O. Box 267 Kigali-Rwanda HOTLINE: 2525 @MINEACRwanda The Ministry of East African Community Email: [email protected] Website: www.mineac.gov.rw Feature Q&A The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

we are one people and we want to remove all barriers that separate us so that people can move from country to country without being bothered by bureaucracies.

Mr. Fred Seka, Chairperson for Freight Forwarders Association of Rwanda and Managing Director, Gorilla 1,000 Clearing Agency Limited. Integration is the best thing to have happened to East Africans

“Integration is the best thing moved to a Belgium Company reputations in your field of to have happened to traders called East Africa Cargo where I business and you have to learn and people of East Africa.” did a stint for 4 years. I also got from their experiences. Business These are the words of Mr. Fred my certificate training in logistics also depends on periods. Here Seka, Chairperson for Freight during this time, enabling me to in East Africa, for example, when Forwarders Association of establish my own logistics and different countries are holding Rwanda and Managing Director, Transport Company called Gorilla their elections, your business Gorilla 1,000 Clearing Agency 1000 a clearing agency in 2007. will be affected since you cannot Limited. In an interview with venture into that country during Question: Integration Affairs writer, Joseph this volatile period. But all in all, What nature of growth has your Ondiek, Mr. Seka enumerates my business has faced these business undergone since you the benefits of EAC integration challenges and grown from started it? and some challenges that the strength to strength, one day at regional bloc faces. Here are the Seka: a time. excerpts. Business normally depends Question: Question: on so many variables. There are How do you handle lack of skills When did you start this logistics sometimes when it’s going up here in Rwanda? and transport business? and when it’s going down. When starting a business, you have Seka: Seka: to be ready for any eventuality. No. This is just a stereotype. In I have been in this field for a You have a myriad of challenges our industry, not all Rwandans period of 14 years now. I began that you have to contend with. lack skills but what you can say is by working for a German logistics You find so many people who lack of knowledge. To overcome Company here in Rwanda then I have already established their this challenge, we embarked on

52 Integration Affairs June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

capacity building where we train Seka: has tackled this satisfactorily. our members to gain knowledge Integration is the best thing to The other one is Non-Tariff to enable them compete favorably have happened to traders and the barriers. They should be removed at both regional and international people of East Africa and I thank to make doing business easier level. our visionary leaders for their since we lose a lot as a result of Question: oversight in bringing the people the existing NTBs. of this region together. The Do you have employees from Question: other EAC Partner States? volume of trade has increased Do you think the Partner States and people are free to move in Seka: are doing enough to remove the any Partner State. People are remaining NTBs? In this field, the companies now free to work and establish are different. We have both big business with less red tape. You Seka: and small companies. The small go to any Partner State and you Sure, they are doing a lot. For companies will naturally employ feel at home there. There is a example, in Tanzania there used native manpower while big sense of brotherhood where you to be 13 weighbridges from Dar- international firms like Transami don’t feel like a stranger when you es-Salaam to Musoma but now employ both Rwandans and visit any EAC state. The market there are only seven. Rwanda has expatriates. But now, even the is open. Rwanda and Burundi, done a lot to address the issue small companies are changing as landlocked countries benefit of weighbridges. There have their employment policies from both Kenya and Tanzania also been negotiations between whereby a Rwandan can go and for instance. Rwanda’s exports governments and stakeholders work in any Partner State and vice to the EAC has been increasing. to address the issue of NTBs. versa. That is one of the major This means that intra business However, we are asking the benefits of EAC integration. relationships within the EAC has governments to move with speed In this light, Gorilla 1000 been increasing despit e some to remove the remaining NTBS. Clearing agency have Rwandans, teething challenges, I hope that It’s pointless to, say, when you a Kenya and a Burundian at the they will be addressed with time. have an EAC certificate and you top echelons of the company. Question: need to establish a company in another Partner State to be forced Question: Like what challenges? to have a local partner having What is currently the volume of Seka: a bigger share in the company. your business? The issue of weighbridges is The governments should also Seka: a big challenge that should be harmonize some of their laws, Since I started this business addressed with speed. In some especially ones dealing with in 2007, it has spread its wings countries, there are just too trade. many weighbridges that serve to other Partner States. I have Question: no purposes. There should only businesses in all the Partner Rwanda is leading the pack in be three weighbridges, one at States where I have partnership removing NTBS. Do you think this the port, another in the middle with local businessmen in those is bringing unfair disadvantage and one at the exit point. What countries. I still don’t have my to Rwandan businessman as should be done is that every truck own trucks but I rent them when compared to others? need arises. I’m able to bring in should have a seal and a cargo 50 containers from Mombasa tracking device put in place. But I Seka: and Dar-es-Salaam per trip. I am happy that we as logisticians I cannot say that there is a also work with regional and have been having meetings with disadvantage to Rwanda traders. international companies like the governments and there have also But the other countries should UN having over 50 trucks. been high level negotiations by borrow from Rwanda and remove stakeholders to solve this issue. existing NTBs because when it Question: Corruption is another challenge works here, then it implies that How deep is your knowledge of in some countries, though I would it can work in other EAC Partner the EAC integration? say unequivocally that Rwanda States.

Integration Affairs 53 June 2013 Opinion The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

The role of social media in integration process

By Joseph Ondiek

In this time and age of derail this great work in process? cyberspace information, being Yes, it’s undeniable that there part of a social network is vital are some people in our midst in connecting people around the that still harbor deep-seated globe. Thus, it’s imperative that patriotism to their own countries for the EAC integration agenda in their hearts, and who have not to be fast-tracked, social media started thinking outside the box should play a central role in There are many that we are now one people of bringing the people of this region East Africa Community. people who have as one community. When these people have the seen the benefits Today, there are two major social chance to travel to other countries, of integration networks that link people around they are blinded by their selfish and are sending the world successfully: Facebook patriotism and would, therefore, and twitter. One can hardly find report back only the negative positive messages the difference between the two aspects of their host countries; back to their in terms of today’s revolution in either only negative cultural, home countries communication. political or economic aspects of boundless But with EAC integration now they see. But this is dangerous because each country has its own opportunities in full steam, how have these two faired in this regard? Or unique system of operations we that are now to put it more succinctly, has should all accept. widespread since the integration agenda been And that’s the kind of message the five East Africa successfully helped by the use of the Minister for East Africa these two mediums? countries came Community, Hon. Monique Mukaruliza passed when talking together. It’s worth noting that while it’s true that social media brings during the launch of “Doing people of diverse backgrounds Business in East Africa 2013 together, users and analysts are Report” recently held in Kigali. discovering that its popularity She said that each country has can also be connected to a its own uniqueness and that each growing trend of alienation and one should copy best practices loneliness. And this is where from one another to improve the EAC should be wary of this region’s competitiveness and digital channel, for when it’s not attraction to investors. used in the right sense, it may However, integration of destroy the work of integration thoughts and ideas would take a that our leaders and the people longer time when some people of East Africa have commonly still want to use social media to fought tooth and nails, and taken spread negative information of many years, to build. other countries.

How can social media be used to On the other hand, claiming that

54 Integration Affairs June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

Kenya, research indicates that 87 percent of the youth have access to Facebook and twitter accounts while Rwanda sometimes back launched

A program dubbed “Youth Connekt” to enable Rwanda youth to share their experiences with their counterparts in the rest of the world. The program relied on the use of social media.

In the last issue of this magazine, we reported that a number of students from Kenya universities had embarked on a campaign, codenamed “Vuka Border” to sensitize their peers on East Africa Integration.

Such approach among the youth goes a long way in ensuring that they interact with their peers from different countries making up the regional bloc and that as many of them as possible become aware of integration and how it’s helping the people of East Africa grow together. The Ministry of East African contact with friends and family Community that live far away. MINEAC is also leading the @MINEACRwanda And now with more pack by targeting the youth in opportunities to be found with their integration sensitization the free movement of people, campaigns and taking the social media is the root cause goods and services within the message to different schools in of alienation experienced by borders of East Africa and the the country. The use of social millions of people in East Africa opportunity of a wider market, media is going to enhance this can be a little misleading. There social media is bound to play a campaign for majority of youth are many people who have seen greater role so that more and in this country are today liberally the benefits of integration and more people can come on board connected to either or both are sending positive messages and take advantage of these Facebook and twitter accounts. back to their home countries of opportunities. Granted, we can no longer boundless opportunities that overlook the power of the social are now widespread since the It is encouraging to know media, and it’s upon respective five East Africa countries came that the youth, who are mostly governments of EAC to sensitize together. using social media, have come to embrace this powerful the people on the prudent Social networking has helped communication tool and use of the social media so that many people connect to more are spreading the gospel of integration process is sped up. people than they may have integration in their institutions of otherwise done, while also learning throughout East Africa. In allowing people to maintain

Integration Affairs 55 June 2013 Opinion The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

Cultural, social integration a sustainable way to regional unity

By Penina Asiimwe

The wind of Regional integration has been sweeping across all African countries from the mid nineties. And it goes without saying that Rwanda – the land of a thousand hills – has gladly jumped onto this bandwagon and as such the country which is geographically landlocked is now land-linked.

To-date, aside from the all encompassing African Union, each African country has a choice of belonging to at least a regional bloc.

Rwanda belongs to three regional arrangements: Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the East African Community (EAC). It is however, more deeply integrated with the EAC especially because of signing both the Customs Union and Common Market Protocols.

Rwanda’s main aim for joining the EAC was to capture economic, social and political In big and historical integrations like benefits associated with regional the United States of America (USA), and integration. These include but the United Kingdom (UK) people live in one are not limited to the benefits of big village. It is a normal occurrence for a larger market and the linkage opportunities the integration can one to marry or even work across states provide for a landlocked country, because they have chosen to overlook to skills transfer as well as the political boundaries through greater political union resulting in greater peace and security. integrating cultures. Currently, like will be discussed further here, the extent of potential impact is widening and

56 Integration Affairs June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

Team Burundi representing their country at the recently concluded JAMAFEST that was held in Kigali, Rwanda so are the potential benefits. a Ugandan or Kenyan with a like the United States of America Rwandan would meet tough (USA), and the United Kingdom To begin with, the EAC Customs opposition from both family (UK) people live in one big Union led to the free movement members. This would cause the village. It is a normal occurrence of goods in the region. The couple to appear alien even to for one to marry or even work Common Market is expanding their family members. across states because they have this to include the free chosen to overlook the political movement of services, labour, Currently, because of EAC boundaries through integrating and capital. What this means is integration and the free cultures. that as the integration process movement of people across gains momentum, more sectors the member countries, people And the future of the EAC are opening up and becoming are marrying peacefully across lies in overlooking culture and involved. For instance, the free borders and in bigger numbers social barriers and through movement of people does not than was the case say 5 years ago. intermarriages it could even only affect immigration policies be a cheaper and sustainable And instead of being seen as but also education, health, and path to regional unity. Like alien, the marriage brings about social protection. President Paul Kagame said integration of cultures as they while officiating at the opening Important to note also is that learn from one another. This in of an East African Legislative as the EAC commitments are the end creates one big family Assembly (EALA) session at the implemented and integration only separated by imaginary Parliamentary Building in Kigali deepens further, more areas of borders and boundaries. on April 16, 2013:“Continental Rwanda’s economy and social Today, we have countless cases unity and integration are our best structure will be affected. One of couples of a Rwandan husband insurance against denial of our such area is the intermarriages and a Ugandan wife living and ability to play our rightful role in which will no doubt lessen the working comfortably in Kenya the world.” knot on social, cultural and for instance. Or a Kenyan man political barriers. By the time the leaders of the married to a Rwandan woman five countries finish fine tuning In the past, it was imperative that living in Rwanda. While growing the full details of the integration a Ugandan marries a Ugandan up, some children are told about process, they will find ordinary and a Rwandan marries a fellow how a certain people different people way ahead of integration Rwandan. This was mainly from them are strange in all through intermarriages. because of the tough cultural and ways. But with free movement regional barriers most of which of people such stereotyping is Cultural integration thus has a were even inconsequential. diminishing at a fast rate. big potential of enabling ordinary people to own the integration As such an intermarriage of In big and historical integrations process.

Integration Affairs 57 June 2013 Opinion The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

Some of the Children undergoing rehabilitation at IWAWA Critical lessons Rwanda can give other EAC states on how best to deal with vulnerable children

By Sam Kebongo

Sometime in mid May, I had I highly suspect this happiness the honor of visiting Nibakure is due in part to the fact that Children’s Village in Nyamata they are being brought up in a in Bugesera in eastern province truly home environment with of Rwanda. In the village, the close monitoring which is very children live in a family-like outstanding. I have noticed that set up. They have mothers and I reasoned that the environment street children aunties who are specifically in is not a transitional set up are now housed charge of a group of boys or that characterizes traditional girls in the family. They have also in rehabilitation orphanages and other institutions started growing their own food for vulnerable children. centers spread in their farm and have surplus to Nibakure’s Children’s Village has through out the sell. long term plans and works very country The children’s home was a closely with authorities in eastern beneficiary of a bus from the province. Rotary Club that takes them to This kind of a model of care school. They are a very happy lot. is what I came to find out that

58 Integration Affairs June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

the government of Rwanda encourages. The director, Florian Brown, is very dedicated to the cause too and has big plans for this unique facility.

Like other countries of the East African Community (EAC), Rwanda grapples with the problem of vulnerable children, especially those from the streets. Hundreds of children throughout Rwanda still live on the street, and most of them roam around Kigali city and in other big cities of the country with no access A class of some of the beneficiaries of te One Laptop Per Child program (OLPC) to amenities like shelter, food, schools and vocational training, governmental level specifically at health care or education. where children are provided the smallest administrative unit Street children either are known basic education, and taught skills known as the “Umudugudu”. to be calling the streets as their to help them obtain a better The emphasis here is the homes while some hustle the future. The role of the police is championing family values as street but are known to be going to get children from the street the basis of preventing kids from back home in the evening. The and take them to rehabilitation running away from their families. latter form the bigger percentage. centers. This is a very cost effective Initially, Rwanda handled the The local authorities officers strategy that works well for local problem of street children from follow-up and see whether the government organs since the cost a disciplinary perspective that children’s conditions at the of setting up the formal centres involved coercion. This was not designated centre are favorable. are very high. very effective and the children Despite these initiatives, teething On the other hand children with resented the police, adults and problem persists. However no natural family are given first eventually all authority figures. despite the constraints the priority of placement in substitute This punitive approach, must programme is largely successful families. Only extreme cases have resulted in proliferation of in rehabilitating a big number of will you find kids being taken delinquency and petty crime. street kids. to orphanages. It is the very last In a reversal of approach in In order to boost the workings resort solution to rehabilitation Rwanda I have noticed that of the formal rehabilitation of street kids. In order to street children are now housed by government, parents are discourage proliferation of street in rehabilitation centers spread continuously being sensitised kids, families using children in through out the country: on their responsibilities towards domestic work are also being which carry out rehabilitative children since it is known and sensitized and, if need be, programmes in collaboration with widely accepted that parents reprimanded by law. Again this is the national police and other who send or have children on mostly done at the “Umudugudu” local authorities such as The the street do not fulfil their duty level with spectacular results. Kigali City Council. There’re no towards them and are therefore This framework management disciplinary measures imposed liable to be subjected to legal of street other homeless kids on street children but instead action by the government. seems to work very well for there are assistance mechanisms I have since been informed that Rwanda. Consequently, the put in place for them. this is a preventive strategy that is number of street kids in Kigali The centers have ordinary generally carried out at the local City is negligent.

Integration Affairs 59 June 2013 Opinion The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

Mind-set Change and the Pursuit of Sustainable Development: A Challenge for the EAC

By Frederick Golooba-Mutebi

There is a mantra that is well liked led mainly by unaccountable leaves development partners to by some actors in the development elites presiding over one-party play the role of monitoring and industry and usually thrown states had, through profligacy or ensuring that their resources are around quite liberally. The mantra outright financial mismanagement, indeed spent as agreed. sums up the imperative to engage impoverished entire populations. One flaw in this approach is in development activities that are The systematic diversion of that where governments are sustainable over the long term. government revenues into the motivated to divert resources into It emphasises how it is infinitely pockets of the ruling elites uses other than those agreed better to teach a person how to rendered such governments with development partners, they fish rather than to give them fish. untrustworthy as conduits of are usually able to do so through The idea is that one who is taught development assistance intended a phenomenon that experts call how to fish will henceforth catch to improve the living conditions of ‘creative accounting’. In other their own fish and feed themselves, Africa’s poverty stricken masses. countries development assistance while whoever is given fish to eat And so NGOs became the main has become the subject of and is not equipped with the skill vehicle through which both the elaborate scams by government to catch their own fish, will be donor community and international officials charged with managing dependent on charity for life. financial institutions channelled it. Consequently, donors are The debate about the substantial resources. The question increasingly moving away from sustainability of development of sustainability rotated around general budget support and efforts, especially by well-meaning whether weaknesses of the African directing resources at specific outsiders seeking to help Africa’s state could best be fixed through sectors instead. poor lift themselves up, is an old bypassing or working directly with These changes have over the one. I first encountered it as a governments. years diminished the role of NGOs graduate student over 20 years Over the last two decades, a great as direct conduits of development ago, in the early 1990s. That was the deal of water has flowed under assistance, and in many ways era when the world believed that the bridge. Eventually donors have contributed to sustainability ‘development’ in Africa could best came to accept that NGOs could becoming less and less of a focus be delivered by non-governmental not substitute for governments, of debate. These days one is more organisations. It was the era when and that strengthening the state likely to find NGOs clamouring faith in the capacity or even desire was the key to ensuring the for participation in development by African governments to work sustainability of development and policy formulation and in in the interest of their own poor poverty reduction efforts. That gave monitoring development efforts by citizens was seriously in doubt. birth to national poverty reduction governments and their agencies The debt crisis was wreaking papers (PRSPs) and eventually to than in direct implementation of havoc on poor countries and the general budget support. The idea development efforts. But NGOs IMF and World Bank, supported behind general budget support have not given up entirely on their by the donor community, were is that it enables a government ambitions to maintain relevance arm-twisting governments to carry to spend development assistance in the development arena. And out reforms they hoped would turn directly on priorities determined in their pursuit of relevance, things around. African governments through an internal process. That they often do things or pursue

60 Integration Affairs June 2013 The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

strategies that lead to the question Kigali, its capital. I had undertaken change and development are made. of sustainability raising it ugly the journey on market day, when Rwandans and their government head again. people with things to sell flock call it mind-set change. One way to to markets to try and make some achieve mind-set change, it seems I was reminded of this recently money. to me, is to get people to do things when I read an article in Rwanda’s for themselves and to get used to English daily, The New Times. All along the way I had seen doing them so that they become The article was proclaiming how hundreds of people going about part of their way of being. I cannot an NGO had laid out plans to their business, on murram and tell how many of the Rwandans distribute shoes free of charge to tarmac roads, some wearing shoes, who have acquired shoe-wearing 65000 school children in schools others not. At the time of the habits buy their own shoes, and in several districts. According journey, I had spent three months how many get them free of charge to the NGO’s Acting Director of traversing rural Nyamagabe as from good Samaritans such as Programmes, the driver behind team leader on a research project the organisation that seeks to this initiative was the imperative investigating the quality of care distribute 65000 pairs of shoes to to protect the children against available for pregnant women. I school children. diseases: “children cannot be had met and seen hundreds of rural infected by diseases as a result folk. Some wore shoes. Others did As I pointed out above, handing of lacking shoes”. The initiative, not. Using my own observations, out free shoes is certainly the article pointed out, was the therefore, I was able to stop the laudable. It does carry the danger, brainchild of a California-based propagandist in her tracks. In her however, of creating a dependency shoe company. Great news, one condemnation of “Kagame’s policy syndrome so that even those who may be tempted to think. And of forcing people to wear shoes”, through personal creativity would indeed, on the surface this is a she claimed it was all about his have eventually bought their own laudable step. However, it does “obsession with looking good”, and shoes may begin to sit by and wait raise some pointed questions. that it violated rights of individuals for free hand outs. The effect of Before outlining the questions, to decide whether to wear this, eventually, is to undermine I feel it is important to recall shoes or not. What I had heard, people’s confidence in their own where preoccupation with shoes in however, was that in seeking to ability to solve their own problems. Rwanda comes from. have Rwandans wear shoes, the It stunts the mind-set change President’s motivation were the that the government of Rwanda Reports suggest it all began with health benefits of the practice, as and many of its forward-looking President Kagame being perturbed it minimises infections associated citizens aspire to achieve. by vast numbers of his compatriots with walking about barefoot. walking about barefoot, a state of Questions of the sustainability affairs that struck him each time These days as I travel across of development and social change he toured the country, especially Rwanda, I make a point of looking and how to avoid creating and the rural areas. He is reported to out for people wearing shoes and perpetuating dependency are as have eventually enjoined local those walking barefoot. I have important for Rwanda as they leaders to encourage the people noticed fairly large numbers, are for the rest of East Africa and they led to do their best to acquire children and adults, women and Africa at large. So far much of shoes. About two years ago in men, wearing the cheap plastic what we ordinary citizens hear Uganda, I met a Dutch academic shoes and sandals popularly are large ambitions focusing on and human rights activist who had known as ‘bodaboda’. Two thoughts achieving monetary union, political been told that the government strike me each time. One is just federation and open borders. of Rwanda was forcing people to how much whoever manufactures What of mass mind set change wear shoes, and that those who those shoes has profited from the that would see East Africans look did not have them were prohibited drive to get Rwandans to wear more to themselves for solutions from walking on tarmac roads and shoes, and also how impressive it is to their own problems rather than even venturing into markets to sell that people who previously would to outsiders? their produce. A few days before have treated shoes as a luxury now the conversation, I had travelled seem to take shoe wearing for all the way from Nyamagabe in granted. This, it seems to me, is the Frederick Golooba-Mutebi is a commentator on EAC matters and is the South West of the country, to stuff of which sustainable social based in Kigali and Kampala .

Integration Affairs 61 June 2013 Sports The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

CECAFA Kagame Cup: APR eyes the trophy despite youthful team

Rwanda’s leading football team, APR FC are targeting this year’s edition of the CECAFA Kagame Cup trophy, despite the team’s last year overhaul of its main squad that was meant to give playing time to emerging local talents.

APR FC got rid of ten players from last season’s first eleven team in a move that was interpreted to mean that it was undertaking tough cost cutting measures. The military side was also seen by those keenly watching local football that it was building a new youthful The club president General Alex Kagame celebrating last year APR crown as Primis league team around former U17 players champions. that were heavily involved in the 2011 African and World at the very top of the regional pledging a yearly package of championships. tournament by fielding such a $60,000. Consequently, the club youthful team. APR FC will count on the president General Alex Kagame Alexis Kagame urges APR FC experience of goal keeper Ndoli is upbeat about the military side’s fans to trust their team that will Jean Claude. chances of a better performance be led by Emery Bayisenge in a for the completion for the The opening match for APR FC tournament whose main sponsor regional tournament meant to is on Thursday the 20th June is President Paul Kagame take place from June 18th. against Elman FC in Elfasher.

“The target for this year regional Other fixtures competition is to be champions,” Group A: said General Kagame. Merreikh(Sudan), APR(Rwanda), Simba(Tanzania) and Elman(Somalia) “We [APR] are performing well in the domestic league with foreign Group B: and regional players involved. So Alhilal(Sudan),Tusker(Kenya),Al nasir(Sudan), Falcons (Zanzibar) and that is a good indication that we Al-ahly shandi (Sudan) can do well in CECAFA Kagame Cup,” replied APR FC president to Group C: suggestions that it would be too Yanga(Tanzania), Express FC(Uganda), Ports(Djibouti) and Vitalo much asking the team to finish (Burundi)

62 Integration Affairs June 2013 right of residence and establishment

A resident from a Partner State has the right to install oneself and ‘set up shop’ in another Partner State permanently or semi-permanently for the purpose of performing a particular economic activity The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

THE MINISTRY OF EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY

Mission Lead the widening and deepening of the EAC Integration process in order to promote development goals of Rwanda and the region. Vision A prosperous competitive, secure and politically united East Africa.

MINEAC P.O.Box 267 Kigali-Rwanda MINAFFET Buidling 4th Floor [email protected] www.mineac.gov.rw Twitter:@mineacrwanda 64 Integration Affairs June 2013