President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday held discussions with the Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC), H.E. Veronica M. Nduva, during a meeting at State House, Entebbe.
Their talks focused on key issues of mutual interest, with an emphasis on deepening regional integration and enhancing cooperation among EAC member states.
The meeting was also attended by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga.
Earlier, in her mission to promote inclusive economic growth, Ms Nduva held a hands-on engagement session with women and youth involved in the fishing industry at Kiyindi, Mukono District.
The forum, which forms part of the EAC’s broader Blue Economy Strategy, focused on empowering communities through capacity-building initiatives aimed at equipping women and youth with modern, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective fish processing technologies. These innovations are key to reducing post-harvest losses, increasing value addition, and expanding market opportunities for fishing communities.
Speaking during the engagement, H.E. Nduva underscored the pivotal role women and youth play in unlocking the full potential of the blue economy, a sector she described as crucial for driving socio-economic transformation, enhancing food security, and fostering sustainable livelihoods across East Africa.
“Empowering women and youth in the fisheries sector is not just about livelihoods; it is about unlocking sustainable pathways for inclusive economic growth, environmental stewardship, and deeper regional integration,” she said.
The initiative aligns with the EAC’s broader commitment to promoting inclusive development, gender equity, and environmental sustainability. By equipping communities with the tools and skills necessary for sustainable practices, the EAC aims to build resilient livelihoods and create a thriving fisheries sector capable of contributing meaningfully to the region’s GDP.
Beyond fisheries, H.E. Nduva’s visit included a heartwarming interaction with primary school children in Kiyindi, as part of the EAC’s ongoing awareness programme designed to nurture the next generation of East Africans as bridge-builders, peace ambassadors, and economic architects.
“The children of today are the future custodians of our integration efforts. By investing in their knowledge, connection, and sense of belonging, we are ensuring that regional integration is not just a policy aspiration but a lived and shared experience,” said the Secretary General.
