The new chairperson of Parliament’s committee on East African Community Affairs, Dennis Namara, has challenged fellow legislators to play a more active role in advancing regional integration, saying many members have failed to speak out on issues affecting the East African Community (EAC).
Namara, who previously served as a member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), made the remarks while addressing journalists during a legislative dialogue on advancing the regional integration agenda at Parliament.
He criticised members of the parliamentary committee for failing to use their oversight role to address challenges facing the regional bloc.
“How can someone serve on the East African Community Committee for five years without producing a single report or moving a motion on the challenges affecting the Community? During my tenure, I will not tolerate that,” Namara said.
He said Parliament’s committee should not treat East African integration as a theoretical discussion but should actively influence legislation, oversight and budget allocation to strengthen regional cooperation.
Namara urged committee members to think beyond Uganda’s borders when carrying out their parliamentary duties.
“There is no way Uganda and the other partner states can prosper without a strong East African Community. The growing demand for jobs, services and markets for locally produced goods makes regional integration more important than ever,” he said.
He called on legislators to ensure that Parliament regularly debates issues affecting the Community and proposes practical solutions to strengthen cooperation among partner states.
Meanwhile, EALA member Rose Akol expressed concern over the absence of a comprehensive legal framework to regulate the transportation of fuel products across the region.
She warned that the gap could expose sensitive ecosystems, particularly Lake Victoria, to environmental damage.
Akol said stronger regional laws are needed to protect aquatic life, preserve fish stocks and safeguard the environment from pollution.
She also raised concerns about inadequate funding to sensitise citizens across member states about the benefits and responsibilities of East African integration.
Akol commended President Museveni for supporting efforts to protect Lake Victoria through the fight against illegal fishing methods and water pollution.
Another EALA member, Jackline Amongin, emphasised the need to respect the sovereignty of partner states while implementing regional programmes.
She said protecting the independence of member states would strengthen the implementation of the Customs Union, promote digital transformation and improve compliance with regional financial commitments.
Amongin added that successful regional integration depends on trust, cooperation and the willingness of member states to implement agreed policies for the benefit of East Africans.
