Category: The Citizen

Tanzania national women football team (Twiga Stars) coach Bakari Shime has handed Saudi Arabia-based striker Clara Luvanga another opportunity to prove herself on the international stage after naming her in a provisional 34-player squad for preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals.

The squad announcement has put the spotlight firmly on Luvanga, who returns to the national fold just days after missing Tanzania’s two international friendly matches against Malawi.

The recall comes on the back of another outstanding season for the Al Nassr forward. Luvanga has become one of the most consistent performers in the Saudi Women’s Premier League, where she has emerged as a prolific scorer over the past three campaigns. Despite her impressive club form, the striker has often struggled to command a regular starting place with Twiga Stars. She has previously been left out of squads or used sparingly, leading many fans to question why her club performances have not translated into a bigger role in the national team.

Her return to the squad is therefore likely to attract considerable interest as supporters wait to see whether she will finally be given the platform to replicate her club exploits in national colours.

Shime’s squad also features several foreign-based players, underlining Tanzania’s growing pool of talent abroad. They include Julietha Singano of Mexico’s Juarez, Opah Clement of Spain’s Eibar, Diana Lucas of Turkey’s Trabzonspor, Noela Luhala of Lithuania’s MFA Žalgiris and Enekia Kasonga of Mexico’s Gallos Femenil. Among the local-based players called up are goalkeepers Najiath Abbas (JKT Queens), Nusra Hamis (Fountain Gate Princess) and Janeth Shija (Simba Queens).

The defensive unit includes Asha Omary (Simba Queens), Ester Mabanza and Diana Mnaly of Yanga Princess, Donisia Minja and Anastazia Katunzi of JKT Queens, Fatuma Issa (Simba Queens) and Ester Maseke (JKT Queens). In midfield, Shime selected Elizabeth Chenge, Aliya Fikiri, Anastazia Shau and Asha Mlangwa of JKT Queens, Marry Siyame and Winfrida Charles of Fountain Gate Princess, Veronica Mapunda of Mashujaa Queens, Bahati Steven of Bunda Queens and Rehema Ramadhani of Fountain Gate Princess.

The attacking options also include Edna Makamba of Tausi FC and Simba Queens forwards Aisha Mnunka and Elizabeth Joseph.

However, one notable absentee is Brighton striker Aisha Masaka, who remains sidelined through injury. Shime said the technical bench decided against including the forward because she has been out of action for an extended period and is still undergoing rehabilitation.

“She is still facing challenges after sustaining injuries since the last WAFCON. We remain in contact with her club’s medical team because we cannot compromise her health,” said Shime.

The East African Community (EAC) has launched citizen consultations in Rwanda as part of the process of drafting a Constitution for the proposed EAC Political Federation.

The exercise, which has already been conducted in Uganda, Kenya and Burundi, seeks public views on the future political structure of the bloc. It is now underway in Rwanda before moving to remaining Partner States.

The Political Federation is the fourth and final stage of EAC integration, following the Customs Union, Common Market and the planned Monetary Union. Speaking during the launch, Rwanda’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Usta Kaitesi, said regional integration remains central to addressing shared challenges and opportunities.

‘Whether in trade, investment or infrastructure development, cooperation provides a stronger foundation for progress than working in isolation,’ she said.

She urged citizens to participate freely in the consultations, saying their views would help shape a governance framework for the proposed federation.

EAC Secretary General Ambassador Stephen Mbundi said the consultations in Rwanda will run for two weeks in Kigali, Rubavu, Huye and Nyagatare.

He said the exercise will engage government institutions, Parliament, the Judiciary, academia, civil society, the private sector, youth groups, women, persons with disabilities, faith-based organisations, political parties and the media.

‘These consultations are designed to enhance public participation in shaping the institutional and governance framework of the Political Federation,’ he said.

Ambassador Mbundi said the integration process has evolved through structured consultations among Partner States since its launch. According to an EAC statement issued on June 17, 2026, the process dates back to 2004 when Heads of State established a committee to explore ways of fast-tracking political integration. In 2017, the EAC Summit endorsed a Transitional Political Federation framework as an interim step and directed the drafting of a Constitution.

The regional launch of the drafting process was held in Entebbe, Uganda, in 2018 under the leadership of President Yoweri Museveni, who was appointed to provide political guidance.

Rwanda’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Fidelis Mironko, said citizen participation is central to the process.

‘The consultation provides a platform for citizens to contribute views and aspirations for the future of East Africa,’ he said.

Chairperson of the Panel of Experts on Constitutional Matters and former Ugandan Chief Justice Benjamin Odoki said public input will help strengthen the draft Constitution.

‘The Constitution belongs to the people of East Africa,’ he said. The draft Constitution is being prepared by a team of experts appointed by the EAC Council of Ministers in 2019.

It is informed by comparative studies of federal systems and reviews of EAC legal and institutional frameworks.

The consultations are part of a wider regional exercise aimed at building consensus on governance arrangements for the proposed Political Federation.

The 2026 BET Awards is set to bring together a cross-generational mix of global stars, with Tems, Queen Latifah and Doechii among the headline performers confirmed for this year’s ceremony in Los Angeles.

The show, scheduled for Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the Peacock Theatre, continues BET’s positioning of the awards as ‘Culture’s Biggest Night’, blending legacy acts with the new wave of streaming-era artists.

This year’s performance roster also includes names such as Cardi B, Kehlani, Jill Scott, Common, Rick Ross, Don Toliver, French Montana, T.I., Max B, The War and Treaty, and emerging act kwn, signalling one of the most genre-diverse lineups in recent editions.

Tems’ inclusion further reinforces the growing presence of African artists on the BET stage, where she is expected to deliver one of the most closely watched performances of the night, following her continued global crossover success in R and B and Afrobeats-infused sounds.

Queen Latifah’s return to the stage adds a strong legacy dimension to the lineup, with anticipation building around a potential special live moment, while Doechii represents the rising new-school energy driving contemporary hip-hop and experimental R and B.

Industry observers note that this year’s performances reflect a deliberate balance between iconic influence and emerging global sounds.

The 2026 ceremony will be hosted by comedian Druski, marking his debut as emcee.

East Africa’s film industry has scored major international recognition after a Tanzanian-Kenyan co-production and a Ugandan feature project were selected for the prestigious Locarno Open Doors 2026 programme in Switzerland.

The Ones With the Tempered Flowers, directed by Tanzanian filmmaker Neema Ngelime and produced by Kenyan producer Ivy Kiru, is among six projects chosen for the Open Doors Projects programme.

The experimental documentary explores themes of womanhood and motherhood through a unique artistic lens.

Joining it is Uganda’s A Vineyard for A Lobster, directed by Talemwa Pius and produced by Gashumba Emmanuel.

The fiction feature uses a snow-covered landscape as a powerful allegory to examine the lingering effects of colonialism.

Open Doors is the talent development and co-production platform of the internationally renowned Locarno Film Festival.

The initiative supports filmmakers from under-represented regions by providing mentorship, training, networking opportunities, and access to international industry professionals.

The selected projects will participate in workshops, project presentations, and industry events from August 5 to August 10, during the 79th Locarno Film Festival.

The programme is currently in the second year of a four-year cycle dedicated to supporting filmmakers from 42 African countries.

The selection places East African storytelling on a global stage and highlights the growing influence of the region’s filmmakers within the international film industry.

It also follows a series of recent achievements for African creatives at major global cultural platforms, reinforcing the continent’s rising presence in cinema and the arts.

With stories centred on identity, memory, womanhood, and colonial legacies, the selected projects showcase the diversity and depth of contemporary African storytelling.

Arusha. The Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal by former Rural Energy Agency (REA) employee< Mr Prosper Peter Msellem, upholding a High Court ruling that declined to extend time for filing judicial review proceedings challenging his dismissal after more than four years’ delay, which the court said was insufficiently explained.

In a judgment delivered on June 16, 2026, a panel of Court of Appeal justices Barke Sehel, Paul Kihwelo and Ubena Agatho, sitting in Civil Appeal No. 190 of 2025, ruled that the High Court had properly exercised its discretion in rejecting Msellem’s application.

The decision is available on the Judiciary’s website.

Justice Agatho said the High Court was correct to refuse the application for extension of time to institute judicial review proceedings.

He noted that a general claim of ill health was insufficient to justify the delay without specific evidence showing the particular days on which the applicant was unable to act.

Mr Msellem, who previously served in various government institutions including REA, held positions such as Principal Statistician (Grade II) before later being appointed director of policy, research and planning after a transfer and subsequent return to the agency.

In 2017, he was issued with disciplinary charges, including dissemination of unauthorised information under applicable laws.

He was dismissed on January 26, 2018, after being found guilty.

He later appealed to the Public Service Commission (PSC), but his appeal was dismissed in May 2019 and the decision was subsequently upheld by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania in October the same year.

After exhausting internal avenues, Mr Msellem sought to file for judicial review but delayed for more than four years and 169 days, prompting him to apply for extension of time, which the High Court rejected for lack of satisfactory explanation.

In 2017, he was issued with disciplinary charges, including dissemination of unauthorised information under applicable laws.

He was dismissed on January 26, 2018, after being found guilty.

He later appealed to the Public Service Commission (PSC), but his appeal was dismissed in May 2019 and the decision was subsequently upheld by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania in October the same year.

After exhausting internal avenues, Mr Msellem sought to file for judicial review but delayed for more than four years and 169 days, prompting him to apply for extension of time, which the High Court rejected for lack of satisfactory explanation.

He argued on appeal that the High Court failed to consider his claim that his right to be heard was violated during disciplinary proceedings, as well as his ill health, which he said contributed to the delay.

Court decision

After evaluating submissions from both parties, the Court of Appeal agreed with the government that the alleged violation of the right to be heard was not sufficiently particularised to justify extension of time and would require substantive determination at trial.

The court further held that decisions by REA and the Public Service Commission were not final for purposes of judicial review, as the President’s decision constituted the final administrative determination.

On the claim of ill health, the court stressed that the law requires an applicant to specify, with precision, each period of delay attributable to incapacity.

Justice Agatho said Mr Msellem failed to adequately explain several periods, including between October 1, 2019 and January 20, 2020.

“A general claim of ill health is not sufficient unless each day of delay is accounted for,” the court said.

The judges concluded that the High Court had properly exercised its discretion and found no reason to interfere with its decision.

“The appellant ought to have provided evidence-backed explanations indicating which days he was in hospital and which days he was engaged in other matters. We therefore find no merit in the appeal,” the court ruled. The court made no order as to costs.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Wednesday that Israeli settler groups could be added to a global blacklist for violations against children as he voiced alarm at a “staggering” rise in violations against Palestinian children.

The world body’s annual report on Children and Armed Conflict recorded 38,558 “grave violations” globally in 2025, affecting 24,174 children, the latter figure a record since CAAC’s mandate began in 1996.

The data showed 14,224 children killed or maimed, with a 34% rise over 2024 in the number killed to 6,266. It said the United Nations had verified the killing of 2,668 Palestinian children in Gaza and 57 in the West Bank.

The Gaza war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led fighters ?attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people, according to Israeli figures. Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign that has since killed tens of thousands of Palestinians.

“Countries with the highest levels of violations in 2025 were the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Myanmar, and Somalia,” a senior UN official said in a briefing on the report.

Settler groups in focus

Israel itself already features in the report’s so-called list of shame annexes for alleged violations, but the latest version for the first time highlights settlers as a potential future listing.

“I am appalled by the magnitude of grave violations against children in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, notably by the widespread use of explosive weapons in populated areas,” Guterres said in the report.

“I am deeply alarmed at ?the staggering rise in attacks carried out by Israeli settlers resulting in grave violations against Palestinian children,” Guterres added.

He said Israeli settler groups should be listed if the high number of violations is repeated in 2026.

The report said 9,465 grave violations were attributed to Israeli forces and 326 to Israeli settlers.

It defines grave violations as including the killing and maiming of children, rape and other forms of sexual violence, and attacks on ?schools and hospitals.

Israel’s U.N. mission did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Hamas remains on blacklist

The report continues to blacklist Hamas’ armed wing and affiliated factions for killing and maiming children and for abductions, and attributes 2,806 violations to Palestinian armed groups.

The new report comes weeks after ?Guterres infuriated Israel by adding it to a separate U.N. blacklist of countries and parties suspected of committing sexual violence in conflict zones, a move that prompted Israel’s foreign ministry to say it would sever all ties with him.

Guterres said he was alarmed by ?the high number of children detained by Israel and reports of severe physical violence and poor conditions during detention, saying these “may constitute inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”

Being blacklisted does not trigger automatic sanctions, but brings reputational harm and requires the negotiation of action plans to secure delisting.

Dar es Salaam. Absa Bank Tanzania, in partnership with The Runners Club, has donated maternal healthcare equipment and medical supplies to Mnazi Mmoja Hospital while also conducting a blood donation drive to support healthcare services.

The initiative is part of the legacy programme of the sixth edition of the Absa Dar City Marathon 2026, which attracted more than 5,000 participants in the 21.1km, 10km and 5km race categories.

The donation included a patient monitor machine requested by the hospital’s maternity ward to help address equipment shortages and improve monitoring of expectant and new mothers.

The partners also donated medical consumables, including gloves, urine bags, syringes, surgical masks, bandages and gauze.

The blood donation campaign was conducted at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital and Absa Bank Tanzania headquarters, with staff participating in the initiative.

Absa Bank Tanzania Citizenship and Events Manager, Ms Abigail Lukuvi, said the marathon has evolved beyond sport into a platform for supporting communities.

“At Absa Bank Tanzania, the marathon goes beyond an athletic event. Through healthcare equipment, medical supplies and blood donations, we are supporting healthcare professionals and communities,” she said.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the hospital, Dr Mingole Said said the equipment and supplies would help improve maternal healthcare services.

“We appreciate the continued support from the Absa Dar City Marathon team. The patient monitor machine and medical supplies will strengthen our ability to provide quality care,” he said.

The Runners Club representative, Mr Godphrey Mwangungulu, said the marathon seeks to extend its impact beyond race day through community initiatives.

Arusha. A 20-year-old student from Arusha Technical College (ATC) has designed a low-fuel-consumption vehicle aimed at easing transport challenges faced by farmers in rural communities.

Mr Godlizen Joseph unveiled the prototype during the 2026 Third Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Week exhibition at ATC, describing it as a practical and affordable transport solution for farmers who often travel long distances to their farms.

The vehicle, designed with a body structure resembling a Land Rover, is powered by a modified 150cc motorcycle engine adapted to reduce fuel consumption while maintaining capacity for both passengers and cargo.

Mr Joseph said the vehicle consumes about a quarter of a litre of fuel for every four kilometres travelled, making it significantly more economical for daily use, particularly in rural areas where transport costs are a major burden.

“I started working on this project in 2024 to develop a dignified and affordable means of transport for people living in rural communities,” he said.

He added that after several tests and modifications, the project began showing promising results late last year.

The vehicle is currently about 40 percent complete in terms of bodywork and engine systems, but is already operational.

It can carry four passengers in addition to cargo weighing between 150 and 200 kilogrammes, making it suitable for transporting agricultural produce, farm inputs, and other goods in areas with poor infrastructure.

One of its notable features, he said, is its potential adaptability to alternative energy sources, including electricity and gas, depending on future market demand and technological advancements.

“This vehicle is specifically intended to support farmers. Once fully completed and subjected to further testing, it could become a valuable tool for improving rural mobility and agricultural productivity,” he said.

However, Mr Joseph noted that limited access to equipment and financial resources remains the biggest challenge in completing the project, as he has personally financed most of the development costs.

He appealed to the government, development partners, and the private sector to support the initiative so that final testing can be completed ahead of an official launch expected next year.

Speaking during the event, ATC Principal, Mr Mussa Chacha, said the annual exhibition was established to give students a platform to showcase research and innovation while connecting them with industry stakeholders.

He said the initiative helps identify talent, encourages innovation that addresses societal challenges, and increases opportunities for transforming student ideas into market-ready products and services.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Tanzania Resident Representative, Mr Shigekki Komatsubara, commended the creativity and problem-solving skills demonstrated by Tanzanian students.

“I am highly impressed by the students’ ability to develop practical solutions that can improve people’s lives,” he said.

He added that UNDP would continue supporting such innovations to ensure more Tanzanians benefit from economic growth and technological advancement.

Mr Komatsubara said UNDP is currently collaborating with 17 universities across Tanzania on innovation and entrepreneurship, and is seeking to strengthen cooperation with ATC to reach more young innovators.

He urged the private sector and industry players to support young inventors through mentorship, financing, and commercialisation opportunities, enabling ideas to move from prototypes to full-scale production and market entry.

“We need to see more young people developing solutions to everyday challenges. When innovation is combined with technical education, it can produce technologies capable of transforming lives and contributing to national development,” he said.

Unguja. As discussions on alleged discrimination within the Union continue, some members of the House of Representatives have urged colleagues to avoid misleading the public, arguing instead that Zanzibar benefits more from the Union than Tanganyika.

The remarks were made on Thursday, June 18, 2026, during ongoing budget deliberations in Chukwani, Unguja, where legislators also revisited recent concerns over claims that jobs in Zanzibar are being taken by non-Zanzibaris.

Kwahani MP and Deputy Minister for Information, Communication Technology and Innovation, Mr Mohammed Sijamini Mohammed, cautioned against what he termed misleading public statements by some legislators.

“If anyone benefits more from the Union, it is us Zanzibaris. We must speak the truth. Why are we complaining? We should use this opportunity to educate our people rather than mislead them,” he said.

He cited the Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON), noting that matches will be hosted in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, with some fixtures scheduled for Zanzibar as part of regional balance.

He also pointed to President of Zanzibar, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi’s current visit to Kenya, where he is representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan, saying such roles demonstrate Zanzibar’s benefits within the Union.

“Let us fear God and stop misleading the public,” he added.

Minister of State in the Second Vice President’s Office responsible for Policy Coordination and the House of Representatives, Mr Hamza Hassan Juma, reaffirmed that the Union would remain intact, warning that anyone wishing it ill should step aside.

He dismissed claims of discrimination in Zanzibar, noting that in some areas on the islands, up to 60 percent of residents originate from mainland Tanzania.

Responding to claims by Deputy Minister for Youth, Employment and Investment, Mr Hassan Khamis Hafidh, that hotel jobs were being taken by foreigners, Mr Juma said the comments were meant to encourage Zanzibaris to take up available opportunities.

“Our youth should stop loitering and apply for advertised jobs. Recently, a company called Urkun advertised 150 driver vacancies, but where are our youth?” he asked.

He urged young people to pursue education and apply for available jobs to close the employment gap.

On claims by Acting Minister for Health Dr Saada Mkuya Salum, that Zanzibar provides free medical services to non-Zanzibaris, Mr Juma said government budgeting is based on population size, noting that Zanzibar’s population is smaller than that of even a single region such as Dar es Salaam.

“We send patients to hospitals in mainland Tanzania, but we pay for them. That is the system,” he said.

Amani constituency MP, Mr Masoud Amour Masoud, CCM, said the Union has delivered significant benefits through cooperation and integration between Zanzibar and Tanganyika, warning against divisive rhetoric.

“I have lived in Kahama in Shinyanga, where in rice farms you find only Zanzibaris selling rice. If you ask them to return to Zanzibar, they refuse, and they are not discriminated against. These claims are therefore false,” he said.

He said leaders must continue safeguarding the Union and speak truthfully about its benefits rather than misleading citizens.

On allegations of job discrimination, he said the problem lies in reluctance among some youths to take up private-sector work, particularly in hotels, due to cultural perceptions.

“It is not that people are denied jobs; jobs exist but are not taken. Many prefer government employment,” he said.

“Even at home, if someone says your daughter wears short skirts, and you tell her to go work in a hotel, it is seen as inappropriate. So others come and take those jobs. We must change our mindset,” added Mr Masoud.

Mr Mohamed also reiterated that employment opportunities are not limited to government institutions, saying many jobs remain unfilled due to lack of uptake.

“We must educate our youth and change their mindset. Zanzibar has many job opportunities, but our people are not taking them,” he said.

Konde MP and Deputy Minister for Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Ms Zawadi Amour Nassor, said there is no discrimination in job allocation in Zanzibar, stressing that recruitment is based strictly on merit.

“The idea that jobs are distributed unfairly is false. What matters is qualifications and competence,” she said.

Women’s Special Seats MP, Ms Jabu Kame Juma, ACT-Wazalendo, said that although the Union should be founded on mutual respect, Zanzibar has been disadvantaged within it.

“Zanzibar has been treated as a colony within the Union,” she said, questioning why the Isles lack representation in football governing bodies, including CAF and FIFA, and claiming that control over such rights rests with Mainland Tanzania.

She also alleged that non-Zanzibaris were occupying jobs intended for Zanzibari youth, calling for prioritisation of locals.

Minister of State in the President’s Office (Regional Administration, Local Government and Special Departments), Mr Idrissa Kitwana Mustafa, said the Union could not collapse as it is embedded in the daily lives of citizens.

On issuance of Zanzibar identity cards, he said the Constitution clearly outlines eligibility.

“Anyone who has lived in Zanzibar for 10 years can be issued a Zanzibar ID. Once someone is recognised as a Zanzibari, they are also Tanzanians,” he said.

Arusha. The East African Community (EAC) has launched consultations with citizens in Rwanda to gather views for the drafting of a Constitution for the proposed EAC Political Federation, the fourth and final pillar of regional integration following the Customs Union, Common Market, and Monetary Union.

The exercise has already been conducted in other Partner States, including Uganda, Kenya, and Burundi, and is now underway in Rwanda before proceeding to the remaining member countries.

The Transitional Political Federation is a framework designed to pave the way towards full political integration of the EAC, aimed at strengthening political cooperation, coordination, and governance among Partner States.

Speaking during the launch, Rwanda’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Usta Kaitesi, reaffirmed her country’s commitment to regional integration, saying the process provides an opportunity for citizens to shape the future of the Community.

“Rwanda’s ambition in regional integration is rooted in the belief that many of the opportunities and challenges facing our countries require collective action. Whether in trade and investment or infrastructure development, cooperation provides a stronger foundation for progress than working in isolation,” she said.

She urged citizens to freely express their views, expectations, and aspirations on the proposed Political Federation, noting that public participation would be central in shaping a constitutional framework that reflects East Africans’ interests.

For his part, EAC Secretary General Ambassador Stephen Mbundi said the consultations in Rwanda will run for two weeks in Kigali, Rubavu, Huye, and Nyagatare.

He said the exercise will engage a wide range of stakeholders, including government institutions, Parliament, the Judiciary, academia, civil society, the private sector, youth, women, persons with disabilities, faith-based organisations, political parties, and the media.

“These consultations are designed to enhance public participation in shaping the institutional and governance framework of the Political Federation, and to ensure Rwanda’s perspectives are fully reflected in the draft Constitution,” he said.

Mr Mbundi also highlighted progress made in the regional integration agenda, noting that the process has evolved through structured consultations among Partner States.

According to an EAC statement issued on June 17, 2026, the process dates back to 2004 when Heads of State established a committee to fast-track the East African Political Federation and explore ways of accelerating integration.

Subsequent consultations revealed a shared understanding among East Africans on the need for a gradual and pragmatic approach to political integration.

In 2017, the EAC Summit of Heads of State endorsed the Transitional Political Federation framework as an interim step towards full political federation and directed the drafting of a Constitution for the EAC Political Federation.

The regional launch of the drafting process was held in Entebbe, Uganda, in 2018 under the leadership of President Yoweri Museveni, who was appointed by the Summit to provide political guidance to the process.

Rwanda’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Fidelis Mironko, stressed the importance of placing citizens at the centre of the constitutional drafting process.

“This consultation provides an important platform for citizens to contribute their views and aspirations for the future of East Africa. The inputs collected will help shape a Constitution that reflects the hopes and aspirations of our people,” he said.

Chairperson of the Panel of Experts on Constitutional Matters and former Chief Justice of Uganda, Justice Benjamin Odoki, underscored the importance of public participation in strengthening the draft Constitution.

“The Constitution belongs to the people of East Africa. We therefore encourage all stakeholders to actively participate so that the final document reflects the aspirations, interests, and needs of our citizens,” he said.

The draft Constitution is being prepared by a team of constitutional experts appointed by the EAC Council of Ministers in 2019.

Since then, the experts have undertaken comparative studies of federal systems worldwide and reviewed EAC legal and institutional frameworks, including the Treaty and Protocols, to ensure coherence with the proposed structure.

The consultations in Rwanda form part of a wider regional exercise across Partner States aimed at building consensus on governance and institutional arrangements for the proposed Political Federation.

The Transitional Political Federation is regarded as a key step towards the ultimate goal of a fully-fledged Political Federation of East African States, the fourth and final pillar of integration following the Customs Union, Common Market, and Monetary Union.