By Aggrey Baba
Uganda has approved the ratification of a package of East African Community (EAC) treaty changes that formally brings French and Kiswahili into the Community’s official-language framework while paving the way for a new financing formula and wider recognition of academic and professional qualifications.
ICT and National Guidance Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba announced the Cabinet decision on Tuesday, saying it followed resolutions adopted at the 25th Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State held in November 2024.
The treaty changes include an amendment to Article 137 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC to incorporate French and Kiswahili as official languages of the regional bloc. Cabinet also approved ratification of an amendment to Article 132(4), which provides for implementation of a new financing formula agreed upon by the Heads of State,, according to the ICT Minister.
Under the formula, half of the EAC’s financing will come through equal contributions by partner states, while the other half will be based on assessed contributions.
Kasule said that the summit directed partner states to implement the new formula from July 1, 2026.
The third major instrument concerns Annex 7 to the EAC Common Market Protocol, dealing with mutual recognition of academic and professional qualifications.
The arrangement is significant for workers and professionals seeking to move across the region because the EAC Common Market framework already provides for cooperation on the mutual recognition of qualifications, licences and certifications.
She explained that Uganda’s Cabinet approval means the country has formally accepted the changes and will now proceed with the legal process required to make the ratification effective at the regional level.
The former Bugiri Woman MP further added that cabinet had authorized the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Norbert Mao, to sign, seal and deposit Uganda’s instruments of ratification with the Secretary General of the East African Community in accordance with Uganda’s Ratification of Treaties Act.
Unlike some international instruments that may require further domestic processes before becoming part of Ugandan law, Lumumba said these particular EAC instruments are to be deposited with the EAC Secretary General.
The decision comes as the EAC continues efforts to deepen integration through common frameworks covering trade, labour mobility, education and institutional financing.
The regional bloc has already negotiated mutual recognition agreements in areas including accountancy, engineering, architecture and veterinary science, while negotiations for some other professions have continued, Kasule revealed.
Uganda’s latest decision therefore moves the country closer to formally implementing the treaty changes adopted by the regional Heads of State, with the Foreign Affairs Ministry now tasked with completing the ratification process. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
