KAMPALA, June 10 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has called for the rationalization of transport systems across the East African Community (EAC) to enhance efficiency and reduce transport costs.
Museveni, who currently serves as chairperson of the EAC, made the remarks during a meeting on Tuesday with EAC Secretary General Stephen Patrick Mbundi, according to a State House statement issued on Wednesday.
The president said heavy cargo and petroleum products should primarily be transported by rail, while roads should be reserved for passenger traffic and lighter cargo.
"We must rationalize the transport system. The railway transport should carry heavy goods and petroleum products, while roads remain for passengers and light cargo," Museveni told the meeting, which was also attended by senior Ugandan government officials.
He directed relevant transport authorities and EAC officials to work together to develop practical solutions to strengthen regional transport connectivity.
Museveni also welcomed a proposal by the EAC Secretariat requiring non-member countries exporting goods to the East African market to make financial contributions to the regional bloc, describing the idea as innovative and worthy of consideration.
During the meeting, Mbundi urged Museveni to engage central bank governors from EAC member states to accelerate progress toward the establishment of a common currency.
According to Mbundi, delays in implementing the EAC monetary union continue to affect businesses and ordinary citizens due to persistent exchange rate fluctuations among member states. ■