By Ben Musanje
In a bold move that could reshape the future of East African unity, Ronald M. Mivule, a prominent regional integration advocate, has urgently written to the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, calling for the organization of a major “Regional Integration Baraza” before the departure of East African Community (EAC) Members of Parliament (MPs) currently visiting Uganda.
The letter, sent earlier today, has sparked intense debate across the region about whether this initiative will push the East African bloc closer to unity or expose further divisions.
A baraza, a term widely used in East Africa refers to a gathering, forum, or meeting where people come together to discuss significant issues.
In this context, Mivule’s proposed Regional Integration Baraza would be a public forum designed to bring together citizens, policymakers, and regional leaders to discuss the pressing issues of East African integration, focusing on the challenges and opportunities of closer cooperation. The aim is to foster greater unity within the EAC, an organization that, despite its promise, has struggled to achieve true regional integration.
Mivule, who has been a driving force behind Uganda’s regional integration efforts, expressed high praise for the country’s successful hosting of the East African Community Games earlier this year.
The event was hailed as an overwhelming success, showcasing Uganda’s organizational prowess and its ability to bring East Africans together in celebration. However, Mivule argues that this success should only be the beginning. He is now calling for a decisive next step to strengthen the EAC by organizing the Baraza.
“The East African Games were a fantastic demonstration of Uganda’s leadership,” Mivule wrote in his letter. “But now, it’s time for us to push forward and take the next big step. A Regional Integration Baraza would provide an essential platform to engage citizens on the benefits of integration and how we can accelerate this process. The time has come for us to act as East Africans, not as separate nations.”
Mivule’s call for the Baraza comes at a time when the EAC, despite its economic and cultural potential, continues to face substantial hurdles. Long-standing trade barriers, political differences, and security concerns have hindered deeper cooperation.
With political leaders and citizens alike growing increasingly frustrated by the slow pace of integration, the Regional Integration Baraza could provide a crucial forum to openly address these challenges and chart a path forward.
Mivule believes that this forum has the potential to be a game-changer for the region. “The Baraza could be the moment we need to address the gaps in our regional cooperation,” he stated. “It would offer transparency, accountability, and a chance to change the conversation from what divides us to what can unite us.”
However, the proposal has also sparked concerns among some critics, who worry that the Baraza could expose the deep political divisions between the EAC member states.
While many see it as a chance for greater unity, others fear it could devolve into a platform for political showdowns, with each nation defending its own interests, making it harder to build a cohesive regional strategy.
“Such a forum could either unify the region or highlight just how far apart we truly are,” one EAC analyst commented. “While the intent is noble, the risk of inflaming existing tensions is very real.”
For Uganda, organizing this Baraza would not only affirm its leadership in the EAC but also test its ability to navigate the complex political dynamics within the region.
Having already proven its capacity to host major regional events, Uganda now faces the challenge of coordinating a forum that brings together diverse interests from across the six partner states of the EAC.
As the visiting MPs prepare to return to their respective countries, all eyes are now on Uganda’s Parliament to see if Speaker Among will respond to Mivule’s call for action. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
