In the week
past, I attended and was one of the participants in the 1st EAC
university students’ debate on regional integration. EAC (East African
Community), is an intergovernmental organization of the East African states
namely; Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi and the United Republic of Tanzania. The
states have embarked on a mission to gradually integrate economically and
ultimately politically to form the East African Federation.
The East African Community logo. |
The debate,
which was held in Arusha Tanzania, brought together university students from
all member states. It is worth noting that the city of Arusha is the
headquarters of the EAC. The city has a history as a peace hub in the region,
where many peace deals have been struck. It also houses the International
Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR).
The debate
which lasted from 23rd to 24th of August was officially
opened by Mr. Philip Wambugu, who is the director of infrastructure EAC
Secretariat, and was representing the secretary general of the EAC. Also in
attendance was Ms. Heidtmann Miriam, Programme Manager, EAC- GIZ Programme on Promotion
of Peace and Security.
During the
debate, the participants were put together in groups of five, with each group
having only one participant from each member state. The debaters were to
interact with their counterparts from other member states and debate as a group
to either oppose or propose the motion of political integration of the EAC
states. Each member got three minutes to present their point and the group got
five minutes for rebuttal after the presentations.
The debaters
made it very clear the challenges and benefits that would come with the
political integration of the region. Of importance is the fact that suggestions
for overcoming the numerous challenges were also raised.
Day two saw
a plenary session to recoup what had taken place in day one. Various fears
raised on integration were responded to while suggestions were made on how to
make the debate even better next time.
The evening
of day two saw the gala dinner where participants and stake holders’ dined and
danced and exemplary performance awarded. Hon. Jessica Eriyo, who is the EAC
Deputy Secretary General, Productive and Social Sectors, was the chief guest.
The colorful evening was one to remember.
I was opposing the motion and my group came in
2nd of the six groups. Three of the best groups were awarded with
cash prizes by the chief guest. The best debaters were awarded with
certificates as well as all the participants.
Hon. Jessica
Eriyo also awarded certificates to students who were selected to be the
ambassadors to spread the message of the EAC integration in their countries. In
her speech, the chief guest applauded all participants for having come that
far, and urged them to spread the message of the region’s integration in their
countries, insisting that the youth were an integral part of the process.
The event
culminated at a point where everyone was a winner for the roles they had played
to make the first ever EAC University students’ debate such a huge success. On
our part, all the students were able to create lasting bonds and contacts with
their counterparts from other countries. A true spirit of East ‘Africanness’
was realized and it smote the air.
The 1st EAC University Students’
Debate on integration was truly a success and if all the issues raised during
the event are put into consideration by those charged with the implementation
of the integration processes, then better days lie ahead for the region.