AFRICANGLOBE – President Museveni’s first major meeting with Kenya’s Uhuru Kenyatta and Paul Kagame of Rwanda focused on agreeing to a memorandum of understanding to improve relations and enhance development of the three countries.
The three heads of state agreed on five major issues today that would define future engagements.
“The meeting focused purely on issues of business and investment in the region,” said Ofwono Opondo, executive director of the Uganda Media Centre, at State House Entebbe where the presidents met.
According to the communiqué, the presidents agreed to revamp the East African railways network and build one standard railway system, clear non-tariff barriers by forming a customs territory, as well as set up two oil pipelines connecting the three states.
The presidents also resolved to invest in building an oil refinery in Uganda. They further agreed on improving accessibility and affordability of electricity in their countries, as well as investing in the exploration of renewal energy sources.
Also agreed on was the fast-tracking of the East African Community, as well as expediting of an identity card for the people of East Africa.
Shared Roles
Uganda, it was agreed, would superintend the process of improving the railway network, oil refinery construction and establishing of a political federation. Kenya, on its part, would oversee improvement in electricity accessibility and construction of the two oil pipelines.
Meanwhile, Rwanda agreed to build the customs territory and work on the single tourism visa and East African identity cards. Progress will be reviewed every two months.
Addressing the curious absence of their other East African counterparts, President Museveni said “there is nothing shameful talking about the East African affairs without the other two countries because we shall give them feedback about what has been discussed.”
Commenting on his indictment by the International Criminal Court, Kenyatta said: “We are here to focus on the development needs of our people with ourselves taking control of our destiny. ICC will not take care of our destiny.”
By: Sulaiman Kakaire and David Tash Lumu
