By Spy Uganda
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) has launched a process to develop a region-wide legal framework to govern the use of social media across East African Community (EAC) member states—an effort lawmakers say is aimed at promoting responsible digital engagement, regional stability, and deeper regional integration.
Addressing journalists at Parliament in Kampala on Monday, the head of the EALA Uganda Chapter, George Odongo, said the proposal will be a key agenda item during the Assembly’s second meeting of the Fourth Session of the Fifth Assembly, scheduled for 24 November to 4 December 2025.
Odongo noted that legislators intend to “develop a regional policy and legal framework for the regulation and promotion of responsible use of social media,” adding that the initiative responds to growing concerns over misinformation, online incitement, and cross-border digital crime.
The delegation was led by the Minister for East African Community Affairs, Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, and included EALA members Hon. Odongo Stephen George, Hon. Mugyenyi Mary R., Hon. Akol Okullu Rose, and Hon. Kakooza James.
“Social media has become a powerful tool, both for uniting and for destabilising our societies. As a region, we must harmonise how we safeguard peace and cohesion while protecting freedoms,” Odongo said.
He emphasised that the Kampala sitting—part of EALA’s rotational plenary format—is designed to bring the Assembly closer to citizens and deepen integration efforts. “Rotational sittings take our Community to the people. They help us strengthen regional integration and ensure that our decisions reflect our citizens’ realities,” he added.
Beyond digital governance, Odongo revealed that legislators will also push for accelerated adoption of regional industrialisation and value-addition frameworks aimed at reducing the export of raw materials. He argued that such a shift is essential for boosting producer earnings and expanding the region’s tax base.
The sitting will further consider motions geared at enhancing harmony in cross-border trade, an area member states say is critical for eliminating non-tariff barriers and improving free movement within the bloc.
At the same briefing, EALA MP Gerald Blacks Siranda welcomed the renewed focus on unity within the region. He praised partner states for supporting platforms that foster cohesion, including the annual EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games, which Uganda will host from 5–17 December 2025.
“The goal of these games is not just to compete but to bring our people together. Sport unites, builds trust, and strengthens the bonds that hold the Community together,” Siranda said.
