On December 13, 2024, four influential Ugandan business leaders—Simon Kaheru, Oscar Kamukama, Bruce Mpamizo, and Kenneth Ayebare—secured strategic roles within the East African Business Council (EABC) during the 23rd Annual General Meeting held in Arusha, Tanzania. Their election marks a significant milestone in strengthening Uganda’s position in regional economic integration and private-sector advocacy.
Simon Kaheru, representing the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), will serve as Vice Chairperson of the EABC. Joining him are Oscar Kamukama of Steel and Tube Industries, Bruce Mpamizo from Movit Products Limited, and Kenneth Ayebare of the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU). Together, they will represent Uganda on the newly constituted Governing Council and Executive Committee, tasked with advancing private-sector interests and promoting cross-border investments within the East African Community (EAC).
Driving Regional Economic Integration
These Ugandan leaders join an accomplished team of business professionals elected from other EAC member states, including Hon. Olivier Suguru from Burundi (Vice Chairperson), Jas Bedi from Kenya, Dennis Karera from Rwanda, and Angelina Ngalula from Tanzania. Their shared mandate is to advocate for the elimination of trade barriers, enhance trade facilitation, and support regional economic growth.
The EABC AGM is the council’s highest decision-making forum, where members review achievements, set priorities, and elect leadership. During this year’s session, amendments to the Memorandum and Articles of Association (MEMARTs) were approved, resulting in the establishment of a Governing Council to streamline decision-making processes.
Notable Leaders Across the Region
The Governing Council includes prominent figures from various EAC countries:
- Kenya: Rajan Shah, former Chairperson of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, and Clifford Machoka, Senior Director for Public Affairs at Coca-Cola East and Central Africa.
- Rwanda: Linda Kalimba Mulenga from Trinity Lawyers and Emmanuel Nkusi from Bank of Kigali.
- South Sudan: Kennedy Lodiong Kenyi of the Association of South Sudan Manufacturers and Mou Ambrose Thiik from Trinity Group.
- Tanzania: Ashish Mistry of ALAF Group and Satbir Singh from Hanspaul Group of Companies.
These leaders bring diverse expertise to the council, ensuring a comprehensive approach to fostering regional economic collaboration.
Chief Guest Highlights Opportunities in Arusha
The Chief Guest, Mr. Frank Mbando, Assistant Regional Administrative Secretary representing Hon. Paul Makonda, Regional Commissioner of Arusha, praised the EABC’s efforts in integrating the private sector to drive regional growth. He encouraged businesses to invest in Arusha, particularly in the edible oil and textile sectors, leveraging opportunities presented by the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2027), co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
Commitment to a Borderless East Africa
The newly elected Chairperson, Mr. John Lual Akol Akol, representing South Sudan’s National Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, pledged to uphold the EABC’s mission of creating a unified regional market for business and investment. He commended the outgoing leadership for their dedication and emphasized the need to remove trade barriers and strengthen regional integration.
“The EABC remains committed to advancing a borderless East Africa where businesses can thrive,” Mr. Akol stated in his acceptance speech.
Progress and Strategic Vision
The AGM reviewed the council’s achievements for the 2023/24 period, which included a reduction in non-tariff barriers and initiatives aimed at promoting small and medium enterprises (SMEs). According to Mr. Adrian Njau, Secretary to the EABC Board, the new leadership is poised to accelerate regional integration and create new opportunities for private-sector growth.
“With the new leadership, we are set to strengthen collaboration across the EAC, ensuring an enabling environment for businesses to flourish,” he noted.
A Renewed Vision for 2024–2026
The 23rd AGM concluded with a strong commitment to fostering collaboration among member states, setting a clear agenda for trade and investment growth over the next two years. Key priorities include advocating for fair trade policies, boosting cross-border investments, and addressing systemic trade challenges to unlock the full potential of the EAC.
The election of Simon Kaheru, Oscar Kamukama, Bruce Mpamizo, and Kenneth Ayebare not only highlights Uganda’s growing influence in regional business matters but also underscores the collective effort to achieve economic prosperity within the East African Community.
Conclusion
As the EABC charts its course for the future, the newly elected leaders are expected to drive transformative change, ensuring the region’s economic ambitions are realized. With Uganda’s representation at the forefront, the private sector stands ready to shape a borderless, integrated East African economy.
