New EAC Secretary General calls for teamwork, protection of Community’s image

The new East African Community Secretary General, Veronica Mueni Nduva has urged the staff of all EAC Organs and Institutions to work as a team and called for collective responsibility as part of efforts to protect and enhance the good image of the Community.

In a well-attended inaugural meeting with the Staff of all the EAC Organs and Institutions at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, and other staff who joined online from the Institutions, the Secretary General underscored the critical role that each staff member plays in achieving the organization’s goals and aspirations. “Unity and collaboration are the cornerstone of our success,” said Nduva.

“As an institution, we must work cohesively, leveraging our diverse skills and experiences to drive the EAC agenda forward. Our collective efforts are crucial in creating a prosperous and integrated East African region,” she added.

Nduva said that under her tenure, each and every member of staff would be treated as a valuable member of the organisation, adding that it is the parts that make the whole. She emphasised the need to treat all staff members equally irrespective of rank and national origin.

The Secretary General further reminded the EAC leadership and members of staff of their premier position as diplomats and the arising need to always project a good image of the Community to East Africans.The Secretary General called on all staff members to exhibit the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and dedication in their duties. She highlighted the importance of maintaining a positive public image of the EAC, which she said reflects the region’s achievements and aspirations.

“Our image is a valuable asset, we all act as ambassadors of the EAC, upholding its values and principles in every interaction. We must ensure that our actions, both within and outside the workplace, align with the vision and mission  of the Community,” she added.

The Secretary General also addressed the challenges facing the EAC and urged all staff to remain resilient and innovative in their approach to problem-solving.

“We must be proactive and forward-thinking. “By embracing change and fostering a culture of innovation, we can overcome obstacles and seize opportunities that propel the EAC to greater heights”, added Nduva

Speaking earlier, the Deputy Secretary General in charge of Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs, Annette Mutaawe Ssemuwemba, outlined the progress being registered by the Community including; the Permanent Secretaries/Under Secretaries Retreat held in May in Kampala that considered the Appeals on the Institutional Structure for the Community and recommended more than 50 new positions to the 45th Meeting of the Council for consideration and adoption.

“On behalf of the Secretariat, let me pledge our support and undivided commitment to you in order to realise the full potential of our community and utilise the same to meet the aspirations of the citizens in the region,” said Ssemuwemba.

In his remarks, the Judge President of the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), Justice Nestor Kayobera, welcomed the Secretary General to the EAC and called for teamwork and networking among the bloc’s top leadership, adding that this would help resolve many challenges facing the Community.

Justice Kayobera underscored the need for good relations among the various Organs and Institutions of the Community saying that there was no competition and rivalry amongst them would be counterproductive to the integration process.

Also present at the meeting were: the Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth; the Clerk of East African Legislative Assembly, Alex Obatre; the Counsel to the Community, Dr. Anthony Kafumbe; the Deputy Registrar of the EACJ, Her Worship Christine Mutimura Wekesa; and the Heads of EAC Institutions.