Media’s role in democracy and integration highlighted in Arusha

The Executive Secretary of the Media Council of Tanzania and Vice Chairperson of the East Africa Press Council (EAPC), Ernest Sungura (second from left), explains a point to his counterparts from the region. From right to left: David Omwoyo, Chairperson of EAPC and CEO of the Media Council of Kenya (maroon tie); Paulo Ekochu, Chairperson of the Media Council of Uganda; Emmanuel Mugisha, Executive Secretary of the Rwanda Media Commission; and Habiba Mohamud, EAPC Treasurer and Gender Secretary of the Women in Media Federation of Somali Journalists, the only woman in the picture. The photo was taken after the meeting with H.E. Veronica Nduva at EAC Headquarters, Arusha.

Arusha: The power of the media as a driver of democracy, peace, and integration has been placed firmly on the regional agenda in Arusha, where East Africa Press Councils (EAPC) leaders delivered a strong message on its importance.

In response, EAC Secretary General H.E. Veronica Nduva, CBS, has reaffirmed the Community’s commitment to deepen collaboration with the media as a trusted partner in advancing good governance and regional unity.

The meeting, held at the EAC headquarters today September 12, 2025, brought together senior officials from press councils across the region. The EAPC delegation was led by Chairperson of EAPC and CEO of the Media Council of Kenya David Omwoyo.

Others in the delegation were  the Vice Chairperson and Executive Secretary of the Media Council of Tanzania, Ernest Sungura, EAPC Secretary and Board Member of the Media Council of Uganda, Peter Okello Jabweli, Chairperson of the Media Council of Uganda, Paulo Ekochu, Treasurer and Gender Secretary of the Women in Media Federation of Somali Journalist, Habiba Mohamud and the Executive Secretary of the Rwanda Media Commission Mr. Emmanuel Mugisha.

Also present during the meeting, were EAPC technical team members Prudence Wakesho and Evans Teddy from the Media Council of Kenya, and Ziada Kilobo from the Media Council of Tanzania.

The central focus of the discussions was the Arusha Declaration II on the Development of the East Africa Media Protocol, a communique developed and endorsed by EAPC leadership. The declaration provides a roadmap for safeguarding media freedom, improving professionalism, and fostering stronger regional cooperation across EAC member states.

EAPC leaders emphasized the critical role of the media in promoting democracy, peace, and regional integration, while the Secretary General welcomed the declaration, highlighting the EAC’s resolve to work closely with media institutions as key partners in regional governance and development.

Building on earlier commitments by the region’s press councils, the Arusha Declaration II marks a renewed effort to institutionalize cooperation between the EAC and national media bodies, setting the stage for more structured engagement and collaboration in the years ahead. Ends.