THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY INTEGRATION DEBATE.

In the week past, I attended and was one of the participants in the 1^st 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 23^rd to 24^th 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 2^nd 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 1^st 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.