Ugandan East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament Paul Mwasa Musamali on Tuesday, March 5, advised President William Ruto to take caution over the dangers of increased debt traps from international countries, potentially leading to loss of sovereignty.
While addressing President Ruto during the EALA special sitting, Musamali noted that the majority of foreign powers ensnare African countries using loans without offering proper collective restructuring options.
According to the legislator, this often results in countries being trapped in unsustainable debt burdens and at risk of defaulting, which he termed as neocolonialism.
"Africa has been a victim of circumstances and some of the things we were not even responsible for. The African people were traded as slaves in the market. The time came when we were divided. As we fought, the colonialists withdrew but as you're aware, they have come back with neocolonialism," he warned.
"In fact, they are controlling us both physically and virtually. They are dressed smartly but still controlling us."
Musamali urged Ruto to ensure reforms are stipulated to shield the EAC countries from such debt distress.
"Mr President that is a serious threat and therefore it is our responsibility for those in the leadership of East Africa to ensure that we insulate East Africa from these disruptive forces," Musamali pointed out.
"Some of these disruptive forces include debt and how the countries can manage debt. It is therefore our responsibility to stand up and be counted or be controlled like before."
The second issue highlighted was the prioritisation of the East African Community funding. He noted that the funding isn't issued promptly as the countries often claim delays in disbursing the amount.
Further, he noted that the amount reduced from 8.3 million US dollars (Ksh1.1 billion) in 2017 to 7.3 million US dollars (Ksh1 billion).
He, however, commended Kenya for already contributing 100 per cent of its share.
While listing the final issue, Musamali noted that urgent interventions need to be formulated in the hiring of people who will foster and champion the EAC agenda.
The legislator noted that the failure to adhere to the human resources in EAC will lead to corrupt people and merchants at the government offices.
"There's a need for all partner states to ensure that when you're deploying people in the service of the community, it should be people who are ideologically oriented and clear about the mission of the East African integration agenda. Otherwise, we risk employing merchants, corrupt people and collaborators."
