ALP Advocates, an integrated law firm has initiated a dialogue to devise ways to implement the ALP CSG protocol to position trade integration in EA.

The panel consisting of officials from the private and public sectors uncovered the untapped potential of the East African Community (EAC) Common Market Protocol at the official launch of the EAC Common Market CSG Scan Report in Kampala Uganda. Hence, charting a New Path and discovering the roadmap to success for the EAC Common Market Protocol.

The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Nobert Mao was the Chief Guest at the launch of our EAC Common Market CSG Scan in Kampala, Uganda.

Earlier today, ALP Advocates launched the 2022-2023 annual East African Community common market CSG scan report.

Dr Henry Onoria, who headed the initiative of ALP Advocacy’s scan highlighted that it is intended to address regulatory measures by East African Community partner states in relation to commitments on the free movement of capital, services, and goods under common market protocol adopted by Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda south Sudan.

He added that three freedoms of capital, services and goods have been targeted in Uganda because they are critical drivers in the economy.

Joseline Kateeba, Managing Director Crest form Ltd and Uganda Manufacturers Association Board member echoed that the private sector has been greatly involved in policy engagements to inform policies. She however said that the speed at which implementation is done is slow.

Emannuel S. Semanda, ED African Institute of Regional Integration Studies however said that the private sector needs to take the initiative to litigate issues of Regional Integration. He added that the private sector needs to take a step to enforce their rights and also ought to be more proactive and enforce commitments made by going to court.

Andrew Rugazira a social entrepreneur however mentioned that the intra-East African trade is very low and coherence with policies and economic realities is needed. He highlighted some of the changes that can be made, just as countries surrounding the May Cong Valley delta did.

Anna Nambooze, country director, of Trade Mark Africa, noted that the public and private sectors are betrayed by the government, whose priorities are below expectation.

The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Nobert Mao urged citizens to demand accountability from leaders if trade is to succeed.

Mary Prima Awor