Leo Kizito Ojara Ocaya

Commissioner, Economic Affairs
Ministry of East African Community Affairs
7343

[MEACA Uganda Updates @MEACAUpdates]

The Chief Guest, Hon. David Bahati @dbahati , Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (Industry) @mtic_uganda , has arrived for the #UgandaDay at the 26th EAC MSMEs Trade Fair, celebrating enterprise, innovation and the spirit of regional integration.
#EACMSMEsTradeFair2026 #JuaKali2026 #UgandaDay

[MEACA Uganda Updates @MEACAUpdates]

Lights, camera, Uganda 🥳🇺🇬 The spotlight is on Uganda as preparations gather momentum for Uganda Day at the 26th EAC MSMEs Trade Fair, happening at Gikondo Grounds in Kigali, Rwanda. 🇷🇼

Set for 7 November under the theme “Recognition of Women in Trade Champions,” Uganda Day will celebrate women entrepreneurs while showcasing the country’s diverse products, innovation and business potential.

As the Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Exhibition brings together entrepreneurs, investors, buyers and policymakers from across the region under the overall theme “Advancing Regional Value Chains in Leather and Horticulture,” Uganda is ready to take centre stage

#EACMSMEsTradeFair2026 #JuaKali2026 #UgandaDay #EACIntegration

[MEACA Uganda Updates @MEACAUpdates]

Happening now: Day one of the planning retreat for the Ministry of East African Community Affairs(MEACA), which is taking place at Protea Hotel Kampala Skyz in Naguru, Kampala🇺🇬🤝.

[#Ministry of EAC Affairs @meaca_ug]

Kadaga to African Governments: Stop Writing Strategies, Start Delivering Digital Trade

KAMPALA: First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for @meaca_ug , Rt. Hon. @RebeccaKadagaUG , has challenged African governments to move beyond policies and accelerate implementation of a functional digital single market.
Speaking at the 9th @kta_law Annual Africa Technology and Intellectual Property Symposium, Kadaga said Africa already has sufficient strategies, but remains constrained by slow implementation, inadequate financing and weak follow-through.
“What we lack is not paper. What we lack is speed, money and follow-through,” she said.
Kadaga identified four priorities: cheap and instant cross-border payments, mutual recognition of digital identities and electronic signatures, simplified customs procedures for small parcels, and harmonised consumer protection with online dispute-resolution systems.
She pledged that Uganda would track commitments under the EAC E-Commerce Strategy, keep digital trade on the @jumuiya Council of Ministers’ agenda, and press for firm timelines on payment interoperability and consumer protection. Kadaga also urged the private sector to invest in data centres, cybersecurity, last-mile delivery and interoperable payment systems, stressing that governments cannot build Africa’s digital economy alone.
Her message was clear: Africa must replace promises with delivery. @EUinUG

[MEACA Uganda Updates @MEACAUpdates]

UGANDA ADVANCES EAC INTEGRATION, CONSULTS ON VARIABLE GEOMETRY

KAMPALA, 23 October 2026: Uganda has reported progress in advancing the East African Community (EAC) Monetary Union, with negotiations on most required protocols largely completed and the Statistics Bill signed, as the country pushes forward regional integration during its EAC chairmanship.
#EACIntegration

The Ministry of East African Community Affairs (MEACA) convened a national multi-stakeholder consultative workshop at Protea Hotel Kampala Skyz to discuss how variable geometry can support the EAC’s political integration.

Key highlights:
📍Monetary Union: Uganda has made progress in unblocking stalled areas, completing most negotiations on the required protocols and advancing the Statistics Bill.

📍Political Federation: The drafting of the EAC Constitution is ongoing, alongside efforts to advance consultations among Partner States.

📍Flexible integration: Makerere University’s Professor Phillip Kasaija explained that variable geometry allows Partner States ready to move forward with integration to proceed while others join when prepared.

🐾Practical steps: Recommendations included establishing pilot groups, adopting flexible timelines, strengthening dialogue and technical support, and taking incremental steps towards political confederation.

🤝Regional cooperation: Discussions also highlighted efforts to eliminate Non-Tariff Barriers that impede trade and strengthen cooperation in areas including security, education, health, transport, trade and infrastructure.

The workshop builds on the EAC Summit’s 2017 adoption of political confederation as a transitional model towards the East African Political Federation, in line with Article 123(6) of the EAC Treaty.

[MEACA Uganda Updates @MEACAUpdates]

The meeting called for coordinated efforts to help Ugandan MSMEs overcome trade barriers, improve product competitiveness and seize opportunities in the EAC market.

The trade fair will run from 30 October to 8 November 2026 in Kigali, 🇷🇼. #EACintegration

[MEACA Uganda Updates @MEACAUpdates]

Commissioner for Economic Affairs Ojara Leo Kizito said the Ministry coordinates Uganda’s obligations across 17 areas of EAC cooperation, and called for joint action by government, Parliament and the private sector to address non-tariff barriers, border infrastructure constraints and limited public awareness of EAC rights and opportunities.

He informed that Uganda 🇺🇬 Day will be held on 7 November under the theme “Recognition of Women in Trade Champions.”

[MEACA Uganda Updates @MEACAUpdates]

Hon. Denis Namara , Chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on East African Community Affairs, pledged continued support on policy and resources, and advocacy for reduced non-tariff barriers, smoother cross-border logistics and streamlined customs procedures. #EACIntegration

[MEACA Uganda Updates @MEACAUpdates]

Commissioner for Social Affairs Mr. Edward Sebina, representing the Permanent Secretary (MEACA) , noted that regional footwear demand reached nearly 290 million pairs in 2024 against about 17 million produced locally, and urged exhibitors to arrive prepared to connect with buyers, meet quality standards and access trade finance.
#EACIntegration

[MEACA Uganda Updates @MEACAUpdates]

The Ministry of East African Community Affairs (MEACA), today, convened the national stakeholder meeting for the 26th EAC MSMEs Trade Fair popular known Jua Kali / Nguvu Kazi at the ICT innovation hub in Nakawa, Kampala, on 14 October. #EACIntegration

[#Ministry of EAC Affairs @meaca_ug]

Kadaga Leads High-Level EALA Mission to Review Tanzania's AFCON 2027 Infrastructure Readiness

Rt. Hon. @RebeccaKadagaUG, Uganda’s Minister @meaca_ug and Chairperson of the @jumuiya Council of Ministers, today joined Members of the @EA_Bunge in Arusha for a high-level engagement with officials of the Government of @tanzania and contractors overseeing the construction of the Arusha Stadium. The meeting formed part of EALA’s oversight mission to assess the state of preparedness for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania under the East Africa Pamoja Bid.
In her remarks, Rt. Hon. Kadaga emphasized that AFCON 2027 is more than a sporting event, describing it as a strategic opportunity to deepen regional integration, strengthen cooperation among Partner States, and showcase East Africa’s collective potential. She called for continued coordination, accountability, and timely implementation of key infrastructure and support systems required for a successful tournament. Rt. Hon. Kadaga remains in the United Republic of Tanzania on a seven-day working visit and will continue participating in a series of EAC activities, all of which are progressing according to schedule.

[#Ministry of EAC Affairs @meaca_ug]

Kadaga Unveils Uganda’s Strategic Push for 26th EAC MSMEs Trade Fair in Kigali

Addressing the press at the Kingdom Kampala Building, Rt. Hon. @RebeccaKadagaUG, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of EAC Affairs, articulated Uganda’s robust preparedness for the 26th EAC MSMEs Trade Fair. Scheduled for @RwandaGov Kigali from October 30th to November 8th, 2026, this seminal event underscores the government's commitment to regional integration.

With the theme "Advancing Regional Value Chains in Leather and Horticulture," the Ministry aims to catalyze industrial growth and import substitution. Uganda targets over 350 exhibitors, building on the 305 who excelled in Nairobi, where 80% were women-led. The fair serves as a conduit for intra-EAC trade, offering MSMEs cross-border business acumen and market access to 330 million consumers.

Kadaga emphasized the 7th November "Uganda Day," dedicated to recognizing women in trade champions, urging unregistered enterprises to seize this pivotal economic opportunity.

END

[Daily Monitor @DailyMonitor]

UPDATE: Ugandan entrepreneurs have been urged to look beyond the local market and explore regional opportunities to expand their businesses and reach more customers. Minister for East African Community Affairs @RebeccaKadagaUG said regional trade fairs offer SMEs opportunities to showcase Ugandan products and secure orders across East Africa. Kadaga made the remarks in Kampala during the launch of the East African Community Trade Fair, scheduled for October 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda, under the theme: “Advancing Regional Value Chains in Leather & Horticulture.”
#MonitorUpdates
📹: @khalilmanzil1

[#Ministry of EAC Affairs @meaca_ug]

Yesterday, the @meaca_ug , Uganda, honored Rt. Hon. Eriya Kategaya at an event held at @SkyzHotel , He was a man who taught us that one can be ambitious without being unkind, and powerful without being proud.

Rt. Hon. @RebeccaKadagaUG reminded us that his life was leadership worth emulating: intellectual depth without pride, power without cruelty, patriotism without noise.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of EAC Affairs further noted that Kategaya’s vision laid the foundation for Uganda’s role in regional integration, securing our place in the Customs Union, the Common Market, and the future Political Federation.

May his soul rest in peace, and may we carry forward his example in our work and service. @KagutaMuseveni @jumuiya

[Leo Kizito Ojara Ocaya @LeoKizito]

@benmwine @carfulu Vintage indeed!

[#Ministry of EAC Affairs @meaca_ug]

#BordelessVoicesPodcast
@jumuiya @Eakc_kiswahili

[Jorrampaul_ssonko @jorampaulssonko]

We will be here for the Evening and also among the discussions will be our position as a country on the tensions in Eastern DRC .Join in using the #UBCFrontBench on @ubctvuganda at 8:30pm with the ministry of East African Community Affairs