MBALE DISTRICT – Stakeholders in Mbale District have been challenged to eliminate internal tribalism and embrace a pan-African mindset to fully realize the benefits of the East African Community (EAC) integration.
The call was made today during a high-level sensitization engagement held at the Maluku District Council Hall organized by the Ministry of East African Community Affairs.
The Chief Guest, State Minister for EAC Affairs, emphasized that district leaders are the frontline ambassadors of the integration agenda. He noted that periodic engagements are vital for stakeholders to understand the EAC agenda in depth, enabling them to popularize and facilitate intra-EAC trade within their local communities.
The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Mbale, Mr. Bayole Stanley , highlighted the tangible link between regional security and economic prosperity.
"As Ugandans, we are already benefiting. Our security forces are assisting in the DRC, and where there is peace, there is a market. This stability has directly improved the sales of Ugandan products in the Congo," Mr. Bayole remarked.
In a candid address to the assembly, RDC Bayole warned that regional integration cannot succeed if "local integration" is failing. He condemned leaders who promote sectarianism and tribal sentiments.
The RDC criticized leaders who suggest that certain tribes (such as Baganda or Basoga) should not work in Masaba land.
He pointed out that these divisive mindsets are often fueled by elected leaders for political gain.
He urged leaders to adopt a "welcoming language" and accept workers from all regions of Uganda to prepare the population for seamless interaction with neighbors from Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
The RDC further lauded President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his unwavering commitment to the EAC. He recalled the initial local criticism regarding the government's decision to build roads in the DRC, noting that the President’s foresight has now proven essential.
"The President is a leader who sees far," Bayole stated. "While people complained about those roads, he focused on the fact that good infrastructure makes transport between countries easy, which is the backbone of trade."
The engagement brought together a powerful collective of district security and administrative heads, including:
Mr. Bayole Stanley– Resident District Commissioner (RDC) ,The Deputy RDC ,The Assistant RDC , The District Internal Security Officer (DISO) and the LCV chairperson mbale district Mr Mafabi
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from local leaders to sensitize their constituents on the economic opportunities provided by the expanded EAC market.
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