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Front Page Signing of Customs Protocol scheduled March 2by Liz Sengwaji The on-and-off event of signing of the protocol on the establishment of the East African Community Customs Union is on again. This time around the three East African heads of state are bracing to endorse the Customs Union document on Tuesday March 2. Presidents Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Mwai Kibaki (Kenya) and Benjamin Mkapa (Tanzania) are expected to sign the protocol in Arusha, a significant milestone for the community. The signing of the protocol that is seen as the entry point to the East Africa regional integration has been postponed for various reasons from 30th November, 2003 to 16th January this year and then to February 16th. The 5th Extraordinary Council of Ministers of the community held in Arusha on February 24 reviewed preparations for the summit of heads of state and considered the annual progress report of the council for the past year. On the report on the outstanding matters on the protocol to be signed, the ministers noted that "the issues contained in the report are the subject of ongoing consultations at the level of heads of state". The Chairman of the Council of Ministers, James Wapakhabulo said "the determination is to ensure the realization of a Customs Union that would be resourceful and sustainable". Mr. Wapakhabulo, Ugandan Foreign Affairs Minister also noted that implementation of the protocol would stimulate production, attract investments and trade and accelerate the socio economic development of the region.
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