Kadaga faults Uganda’s negotiators over costly agreements, slow East African currency plans

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs Rebecca Kadaga has criticised Uganda’s negotiation processes, saying some agreements signed by the country have had negative long-term consequences due to poor decision-making.

Kadaga said some debt, trade and investment deals were entered into without sufficient analysis of their future impact, leading to missed opportunities and expensive financial obligations.

She called for greater collaboration with economic and trade research organisations such as SEATINI Uganda to help government develop a stronger team of skilled negotiators capable of protecting Uganda’s interests.

Kadaga made the remarks during celebrations to mark 30 years of SEATINI Uganda and honour economist Dr. Yash Tandon for his contribution to economic justice and development.

She also expressed concern over the slow progress towards establishing a single East African currency, saying bureaucratic procedures within the East African Community (EAC) were delaying the initiative.

Kadaga suggested that the EAC could adopt a model similar to the European Union, where countries introduced the euro while continuing to address economic adjustments and policy differences.

The EAC has set 2031 as the new target for introducing a common currency, which is expected to ease cross-border trade by reducing challenges linked to currency exchange.

She further urged member states to remove trade barriers and promote smoother regional commerce.

Former Finance Minister Dr. Ezra Suruma noted that regional integration remains challenging because countries often prioritise sovereignty and national interests. However, he encouraged Uganda to continue supporting regional cooperation while safeguarding its economic interests.