Uganda’s Simon Kaheru, Oscar Kamukama, Bruce Mpamizo, and Kenneth Ayebare have been elected to key positions in the East African Business Council (EABC).
This occurred during the 23rd Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on December 13, 2024, in Arusha, Tanzania.
Simon Kaheru from the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) will serve as Vice Chairperson. He is joined by Oscar Kamukama from Steel and Tube Industries, Kenneth Ayebare from the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), and Bruce Mpamizo of Movit Products Limited, who will represent Uganda in the newly constituted Governing Council and Executive Committee.
These leaders are expected to play a pivotal role in advocating for the elimination of trade barriers, promoting cross-border investment, and advancing private-sector interests across the region. Their election underscores Uganda’s commitment to driving regional economic integration and private sector growth across the East African Community (EAC).
They join a diverse and influential team of business leaders elected from other EAC member states. Hon. Olivier Suguru from Burundi will serve as a Vice Chairperson, alongside Jas Bedi from Kenya, Dennis Karera from Rwanda, and Angelina Ngalula from Tanzania.
Each brings a wealth of experience and dedication to fostering economic collaboration within the region.
Notable members of the Governing Council include Rajan Shah, former Chairperson of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), and Clifford Machoka, Senior Director for Public Affairs at Coca-Cola East and Central Africa.
From Rwanda, the council features legal and banking leaders such as Linda Kalimba Mulenga from Trinity Lawyers and Emmanuel Nkusi from Bank of Kigali.
South Sudan is represented by figures such as Kennedy Lodiong Kenyi from the Association of South Sudan Manufacturers and Mou Ambrose Thiik of Trinity Group, while Tanzania’s delegation includes Ashish Mistry from ALAF Group and Satbir Singh from Hanspaul Group of Companies.
The AGM, which serves as the EABC’s highest decision-making body, reviewed the council’s achievements for 2023/24 and set the agenda for 2024–2026.
In addition to electing new leadership, members approved amendments to the Memorandum and Articles of Association (MEMARTs), including the creation of a Governing Council aimed at enhancing decision-making processes.
The Chief Guest, Mr. Frank Mbando, Assistant Regional Administrative Secretary representing Hon. Paul Makonda, Regional Commissioner of Arusha, lauded the EABC’s role in integrating the private sector to drive meaningful regional economic growth.
He called upon business leaders to invest in Arusha, particularly in the edible oil and textile sectors, while highlighting the opportunities arising from the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2027), which will be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. John Lual Akol Akol, newly elected Chairperson and representative of the South Sudan National Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, expressed gratitude to the outgoing leadership for their dedication.
He pledged to uphold the council’s mission of creating a borderless East Africa for business and investment. “The EABC remains committed to removing trade barriers and advancing a unified regional market for the benefit of all,” Mr. Akol emphasised.
The meeting reflected on significant strides made in the past year, including the reduction of non-tariff barriers and initiatives to promote small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the region’s economy. According to a statement issued by Mr. Adrian Njau, Secretary to the EABC Board, the AGM reaffirmed the council’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for businesses.
“With the new leadership, we are poised to accelerate regional integration and create opportunities for private-sector growth,” he noted.
The 23rd AGM concluded with a renewed commitment to collaboration among member states, setting the stage for stronger trade, investment, and economic prosperity across the East African Community.