Don Wanyama, the presidential press secretary tweeted that president Museveni and other regional leaders have a raft of issues to look at, including the implementation status of the EA Customs Union, the progress report on political confederation, financial status of the community and report on having two deputy SG’s recruited competitively.
“We shall discuss an array of issues, all meant to enhance the economic, social and political integration of the EA community,” reads the tweet.
Other issues are the endorsement of Kenya’s push for a non-permanent slot on UNSC, report on EPAs and promotion of motor vehicle assembly plant in the region.
President Museveni is also expected to hand over the chair of the EAC to another head of state whom the leaders will agree on.
Besides the EAC Summit, President Museveni is expected to hold talks with his host, President John Pombe Magufuli focused on trade, infrastructure, investment and which are common areas of interest for both Uganda and Tanzania.
However, the Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza has delegated his First Vice President Gaston Sindimwo to represent him at the 38th Extra-Ordinary Meeting.
Analysists say Nkurunziza’s decision will breathe new life into the regional body which was seen as walking a tight rope amid serious disagreements among member states.
Other leaders include Kenya’s Uhuru Kenyatta, South Sudan president Salva Kiir, Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Tanzania’s John Magufuli.
The 2-day Summit is taking place at the Arusha Conference Center and is expected to review the progress report on the verification exercise on the admission of Somalia to the EAC and the implementation status of the protocols on the establishment of the EAC Customs Union and of the common market, among others.
The Summit is running under the theme ‘Enhancing the Economic, Social and Political Integration of the East African Community.
