By Elizabeth Agiro
UGANDANS and Kenyans overwhelmingly support the formation of the East African Community (EAC), while Tanzanians are more skeptical.
Only 10% of Nairobi residents and 16% of Kampala residents said they opposed the idea of a regional bloc, as compared to 46% of Dar-es-Salaam residents, according to a survey conducted by the Steadman Group, which involved the interviewing of 500 adults.
Tanzania´s reluctance might be related to the fact that it is already part of another regional grouping, the Southern Africa Development Co-operation, which might bring about divided loyalties. Tanzanians might also fear being flooded by goods from Kenya, which is the most industrialised of the EAC member states.
Tanzania is also the poorest of the three. According to 2005 estimates, its purchasing power per capita stands at $723. This is much lower than Kenya´s ($1,445) and Uganda´s ($1,700). The purchasing power calculates the income as compared to the cost of living.
On the admission of Rwanda and Burundi into the community, Kenyans and Ugandans were the most enthusiastic, while Tanzanians were more opposed.
Three quarters of Kampala residents and 83% of Nairobi residents said they supported the move, while half of Dar´s residents said they were against it.
Awareness about the East African Community among the three countries is high. About 90% of residents in Kampala, Nairobi and Dar said they knew about it.
The East African Social Political Economic and Cultural Barometer is conducted by the Steadman Group every week. The latest survey, conducted between June 26 and July 3, wanted to establish the support for the East African Community in the three capitals.
Rwanda and Burundi joined the EAC on June 16, bringing the total population of the community to 115 million. The expanded community is expected to boost cross-border trade, investments and tourism as well as enhance security and peace.
The EAC political federation is currently being fast-tracked. A federal president and parliament are expected in 2013.
Analysts argue that such a federation would promote political stability and eliminate tribalism in the region.
From Sunday Vision of Uganda, Sunday 8th July 2007.
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