“The survival of our East African Community depends on professionals like you. You are uniquely positioned to advocate for the benefits of fully implementing the integration agenda. You are also called upon to hold governments accountable for respecting the common rights enjoyed by East African citizens, throughout our Community. Lawyers should constantly be in the trenches defending these rights and freedoms, without apology. To deepen the economic integration agenda, which includes trade in services, qualified lawyers should be able to practice anywhere in the East African Community, removing unnecessary barriers. Let us work together to sign and implement the Mutual Recognition Agreement without further delay. This should be a win for all of us in the region and also serve as an example for other regulated professions.” President Kagame remarks at the East Africa Law Society Annual Conference.
