On December 13, 2024, at the 23rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the East African Business Council (EABC) held in Arusha, Tanzania, Uganda’s esteemed business leaders were elected to pivotal roles. This marked a significant moment in fostering regional economic collaboration.
Simon Kaheru, representing the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), was appointed as Vice Chairperson. His experience is expected to be instrumental in steering the council’s initiatives. Joining him in governance are Oscar Kamukama of Steel and Tube Industries, Kenneth Ayebare from the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), and Bruce Mpamizo from Movit Products Limited. These leaders are tasked with representing Uganda on the newly established Governing Council and Executive Committee.
Their elections come at a critical time as they are set to advocate for the elimination of trade barriers, promote cross-border investments, and advance private-sector interests within the East African Community (EAC). Their roles are particularly crucial in driving Uganda’s agenda for regional economic integration and growth in the private sector, aligning with the broader objectives of the EABC.
The AGM also saw the election of other influential figures across the region. Hon. Olivier Suguru from Burundi, Jas Bedi from Kenya, Dennis Karera from Rwanda, and Angelina Ngalula from Tanzania were appointed as Vice Chairpersons. Their collective expertise is expected to enhance economic ties and collaboration within East Africa.
Notable among the Governing Council members are Rajan Shah, a former Chairperson of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), and Clifford Machoka, Senior Director for Public Affairs at Coca-Cola East and Central Africa. From Rwanda, the council includes legal and banking leaders like Linda Kalimba Mulenga from Trinity Lawyers and Emmanuel Nkusi from the Bank of Kigali. South Sudan’s contributions come from Kennedy Lodiong Kenyi and Mou Ambrose Thiik, with Tanzania represented by Ashish Mistry and Satbir Singh.
This AGM, serving as EABC’s highest decision-making body, not only reviewed past achievements but also set forth an ambitious agenda for 2024–2026. Among the key resolutions was the approval of amendments to the Memorandum and Articles of Association (MEMARTs), aiming to enhance the council’s decision-making capabilities.
The Chief Guest, Mr. Frank Mbando, highlighted the EABC’s critical role in integrating the private sector to boost regional economic growth. He encouraged further investment in Arusha, particularly with the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2027) that Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda will co-host.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. John Lual Akol Akol, the newly elected Chairperson, committed to continuing the mission of fostering a borderless East Africa for business and investment. Echoing the council’s dedication, Mr. Adrian Njau, Secretary to the EABC Board, emphasized the commitment to accelerating regional integration and creating more opportunities for private-sector growth.
As the 23rd AGM concluded, there was a renewed commitment among the member states to collaborate more closely, setting a promising stage for enhanced trade, investment, and economic prosperity across the East African Community. This is a pivotal era for the region, with significant opportunities on the horizon to reshape its economic landscape.
