I enthusiastically anticipate the Greater East African State

About two weeks ago, all the East African member states for the first time read their national budgets for the financial year 2009-2010 at the same day and time with exception of Burundi whose financial year begins at the start of the year. This act was not merely welcomed just for the coincidence of the same act happening at the same time in these “different” countries; but also for the fact that it could be interpreted as a major step towards having a complete federation of these states into one bigger entity by the majority of their inhabitants. For many, especially in Rwanda, this act was extremely meaningful. Moses Byamugisha, a Ugandan living and studying in Rwanda in his reaction to the joint reading of the budgets, called it as an important step towards having a bonded commonality that would inseparable. For him, this step quickened the pulse and geared everyone towards an East African federated state. On Monday, a significant number of the East African military officers assembled at Kigali Amahoro stadium for the All-East African Military Games. The solidarity that was shown by these forces during the opening ceremony was very marvelous because it really showed a great deal of cooperation that was keenly appreciated by the thousands of Rwandans that were present to witness the ceremony. A close analysis of the distance covered so far, as integration, is concerned, gives a great deal of comfort to many in our region. It creates hope for a more successful, peaceful and a brighter future for the people of East Africa. The solidarity that was exhibited by our armed forces at Amahoro stadium on Monday must automatically be converted s into a stable and secure East Africa. It should guarantee our security by sending a loud signal to rebels in any of the member states or anybody intending to invade, that things are no longer that easy because they are likely to face a combined force of all five countries. Our forces will no longer act in isolation against negative elements in any of these countries but it going to be a collective responsibility for the five nations to decisively deal with that enemy. Secondly, it is automatic that there is no government among the five that can support rebel activities against the other. This means that in the near future we shall have no rebel activities taking place in this region and as a result doors for a wider democracy will be opened so that we may forget a “bullet” battle and completely turn our focus to a “ballot” battle. With the implementation of the East African customs union underway, the majority of the East African business people are finding their work easier as traffic of goods and people has been significantly decongested from our major entry points. However, there is still a dire need for an open market for the goods and services produced by a member state in order to open up an opportunity for the business people to exploit the larger market of the over than 130 million people inhabitants of the five nations. The development of the necessary infrastructure that will help in the implementation and the smooth running of their program are inevitable in these circumstances. Therefore modern infrastructure especially in the area of transport is expected to be realized in the region as soon as possible. A modern railway transport system that President Yoweri Museven of Uganda usually emphasizes is a necessary evil in this regard. A railway network that covers all the five nations will be very helpful in the transport of goods and services to and from any particular country in the region. It is therefore important that our leaders start to think about expediting all this. phatari@yahoo.co.uk