Rwanda officially hosts EACO secretariat head offices

Posted by peter in English, Ibinyamakuru | 0 comments

In an effort to coordinate and streamline their efforts, the East African Communications Organization (EACO) has set up a Secretariat in Kigali.

The communications body chose Rwanda to host the permanent EACO head offices about 14 months ago, during the 18th assembly of the EACO held in Kigali.

Speaking at the event, Rwanda’s minister for EAC Affairs, Monique Mukaruliza, described the inauguration as an important milestone in the regional integration process.

“This shows the commitment of EACO members to realize their goals without the intervention of the EAC council of ministers” Monique Mukaluriza, the minister of East African affairs says.

Minister Mukaruliza pledged Rwanda’s support towards the realization of the goals of the EACO in the region.

The office has been in operation but was only composed of board directors, with no permanent office.

EACO is the regional body bringing together regulatory, postal, telecommunications and broadcasting organizations in the East African Community (EAC).

The secretariat will temporarily operate from the offices of Rwanda’s national utility regulator’s offices located in the centre of Kigali.

Formerly known as the East Africa Regulatory, Postal and Telecommunications Organization (EARPTO)

EACO is meant to improve access to affordable and quality communication services to the people of East Africa and also aims at promoting cooperation and development of the communication sector within EAC.

EACO Secretariat will be headed by Hodge Semakula as the organization’s Chief Executive Officer.

The body has three departments each headed by a manager, Legal and Advisory Services, ICT Assemblies, and Human Resources and Administration.