KAMPALA – The former Rukiga County Member of Parliament, Hon. Roland Bish Ndyomugyenyi, has been appointed as the East African Representative on the African Panel of Trade and Investment for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The appointment, which takes effect on September 1, 2026, marks a monumental achievement not only for the legislator but also for Uganda’s growing influence on the continental stage.
The new role places Bish Ndyomugyenyi at the heart of Africa’s most ambitious economic project, the AfCFTA, which aims to create the world’s largest free trade area by connecting 1.4 billion people across 55 nations.
The former legislator will sit on the elite panel responsible for shaping the trade and investment policies that will determine how goods, services, and capital flow across the continent.
Bish Ndyomugyenyi will speak with authority for the entire East African Community, ensuring that the region’s unique economic priorities and competitive advantages are firmly reflected in all continental trade frameworks.
He will offer strategic counsel on high-level trade and investment policies, helping to dismantle long-standing barriers and energize the free flow of commerce across Africa’s vast and diverse markets.
The former legislator will champion Uganda’s interests while making sure East African farmers, businesses, and SMEs seize the growing opportunities within the continental market.
Johnson Bakunda praised the former MP for his fiery parliamentary advocacy and relentless drive for rural development, noting that Hon. Bish has now risen to a position of continental influence over economic policy.
He described the appointment as a victory for both Rukiga and Uganda, emphasizing that Bish has always viewed trade as the gateway to prosperity and now holds the tools to open new doors for farmers and entrepreneurs.
“This is not just a win for Rukiga, but for Uganda as a nation. Hon. Bish has always believed that prosperity begins with trade. Now, he has the tools and the platform to open doors that were previously locked for our farmers and entrepreneurs,” said Johnson.
Hon. Roland Bish Ndyomugyenyi’s new role is expected to boost Ugandan participation in continental value chains spanning coffee, tea, minerals, and manufactured goods.
His tenure as Rukiga County MP featured strong advocacy for infrastructure, education, and agriculture, and his continental elevation is widely seen as recognition of his intellectual rigor and deep commitment to regional integration.
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