Arusha, Tanzania– The Executive of the East Africa Press Councils (EAPC), led by Chairperson David Omwoyo, has presented the Arusha Declaration II to the Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC) at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha.
The declaration outlines a proposal for a harmonised framework for media operations across the region. This initiative aims to establish a regional media protocol that will complement existing EAC frameworks on trade, customs, education, and the free movement of people. The proposed framework seeks to harmonise media policies, standards, and codes of conduct across all Partner States, facilitate the free movement and mutual recognition of accredited journalists and media practitioners within the EAC, and foster regional collaboration and innovation in media, in line with digital transformation and emerging technologies, including generative artificial intelligence (AI).
EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva welcomed the initiative, emphasising that a harmonised media environment will strengthen regional integration and amplify the EAC’s development agenda.
During the meeting, Denis Kibirige, Legal Counsel at the EAC, reaffirmed the Community’s commitment to working with the EAPC. “Media plays a significant role in integration as it is the bridge that connects people with institutions,” he stated. He advised that the framework, once developed, will be presented to the Council of Ministers and the Summit of Heads of State for adoption.
The EAPC also noted that its regulatory bodies must prioritise developing ICT applications to integrate media processes across the region, ensuring efficiency and alignment with the EAC’s digital agenda.
Mr. Omwoyo, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Media Council of Kenya and president of the World Association of Press Councils, reiterated the EAPC’s commitment to advancing the value of media in regional integration. “Everything will be done to realise the strategic value of these discussions and strengthen the role of media in advancing the East African Community agenda,” he said.
The EAPC called on the media fraternity to play an active role in telling the story of the EAC’s development journey, successes, and integration priorities to increase public understanding and participation.
The EAPC delegation included Ernest Sungura (EAPC Vice Chairperson and Executive Secretary, Media Council of Tanzania), Emmanuel Mugisha (EAPC Executive Member and Executive Secretary, Rwanda Media Commission), Paulo Ekochu (EAPC Executive Member and Chairperson of the Media Council of Uganda), and Habiba Alasow Mohamud (EAPC Treasurer and Gender Secretary of the Women in Media Federation of Somali Journalists).
