Uganda Hosts EALA Session as Regional Integration Takes Center Stage
By The Urban Gazette Politics & Regional Desk
Kampala, Uganda
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) convened in Kampala from November 23 to December 5 for its 2nd meeting of the 4th session of the 5th Assembly, marking a renewed emphasis on bringing regional legislative work closer to citizens.
In his opening remarks, the EALA Speaker highlighted the importance of rotating plenary sittings across partner states, especially during a time when several EAC member countries are preparing for elections. The gathering is also seen as a platform to review key regional protocols on trade, security, and socioeconomic cooperation — issues critical for East Africa’s stability and prosperity.
For Uganda, hosting this session underscores its continued role as a regional hub. Observers say the debates and resolutions from this sitting could shape cross-border cooperation, trade regulations, migration policies and integration dynamics in the coming years.
Why it matters
Regional integration — through trade, security, and legislation — is vital for East Africa’s development, especially for land-locked nations like Uganda. EALA sessions influence laws and policies that affect movement of goods and people, investment, security coordination, and shared infrastructure. A proactive regional legislature can insulate countries from individual-state volatility.
What to watch for
Key outputs from this session: amendments or new regional regulations on trade, border management, migration, and security cooperation. Also watch whether EAC governments and parliaments adopt EALA’s recommendations.
