Kampala Geopolitics Conference

The Future of East Africa: Is the European Union a Model or Deterrent?

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Summary

H.E. Attilio Pacifici said that integration is the way to go.
He pointed out that besides trade, the European Union
was formed to create common goals and avoid war.
Attilio emphasised that a balance can be struck between
sovereignty and integration. “Variety is our biggest
strength.”
However, Philip Kasaija argued that the East African
Community has structures but no real functionality.
“Does EAC make sense to the ordinary person? There is
disconnect between reality and theory. It is supposed to be
private sector-led and people-centreed, but is it?”
Beatrice Kiraso chided Kasaija for disputing the functional
existence of EAC, and stressed that countries “are small
and weak alone…It’s not perfect but there is hope. Strides
may not be as big and fast but they exist. Let’s not dismiss
that there is no EAC.”
Is there an alternative to integration?
Andrew Mwenda thinks that military intervention is the
best form of integration the EAC can embrace since it
attracts trade. “Wherever Ugandan troops go, our traders
follow.” He said that in East Africa, integration will increase
income disparities since Kenya, which is more economically
stable, would enjoy more trade benefits and the poorer
countries would become despondent. Mwenda also said
that creating one big block would increase bureaucracy
and stifle development.
The audience recommended the following:
• If integration is to happen, citizens need to understand
it and what they will reap.
• Countries cannot deal with issues alone, thus the need
for integration.

Conference

Details

  • Time: 2:00 pm
  • Venue: Main building Senior Common Room

Meet the Panelists

Amb. Attilio Pacifici

Amb. Attilio Pacifici

Ambassador, EU Delegation to Uganda

H.E. Attilio Pacifici is the Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Uganda and Head of the EU Delegation. From November 2009 to December 2014, Attilio served in... Read more
Andrew Mwenda

Andrew Mwenda

CEO, The Independent

Andrew Mwenda is a print, radio and television journalist and an active critic of many forms of Western. He produced documentaries and commentaries for the BBC on the dangers of aid and... Read more
Beatrice Kiraso

Beatrice Kiraso

Former Deputy Secretary General , East African Community

Charles Mwanguhya Mpagi

Charles Mwanguhya Mpagi

Journalist, Nation Media Group

Charles Mwanguhya Mpagi is a journalist for the Nation Media Group and has worked as a political reporter and talk show host with the Daily Monitor and its sister station... Read more