East African Community (EAC) heads of state 19th ordinary summit kicks off today

The East African Community (EAC) heads of state 19th ordinary summit kicks off this morning in Kampala under the theme “Enhancing Socio-Economic Development for Deeper Integration of the Community.''

Top on the agenda is finding alternative sources of financing for the East African Community as one of the key items on the agenda. This comes amid growing challenges faced in partner states in fulfilling their commitments to the annual contributions.

The EAC deputy secretary General, Jesca Eriyo says that some countries have not actually made any contribution this year while others are yet to fully clear their contributions.

She says some alternative sources of financing to address this gap, including a proposal for increasing taxes on imports to the region, have been identified and are to be presented to the summit for approval.

Other areas for consideration during the summit will include a report on the Economic Partnership Agreements with European Union and a progress report on the verification exercise for the admission of Somalia into the community.