This study sets out a valid legal knowledge need for Uganda on the understanding of the
challenges and constraints facing the free movement of labour in the regional integration process
as provided for under the Protocol on the Establishment of the East African Community (EAC)
Common Market- hereinafter referred to as Common Market Protocol (CMP). The EAC
comprising of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, is a regional integration which
seeks to spur economic growth and development, through trade and competitiveness. This makes
free movement of labour to be a critical component in the attainment of regional competitiveness
and efficiency in the integration process (Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, 2012).
The objectives of the Common Market are specified in Article 4 of the CMP, with the overall
objective being to ‘widen and deepen’ cooperation among the Partner States in the economic and
social fields for the benefit of the Partner States. The CMP is established under Article 76 of the
Treaty for the Establishment of East African Community (herein after EAC Treaty). The CMP
became into effect on 1st July 2010. It provides for the free movement of labour, goods, services
and the right of establishment. In particular to this study is Part D of CMP which provides for the
free movement of labour of EAC citizens in the territories of EAC Partner States, against
non‐discrimination with regards to: the entry and exit without a visa; the stay and free movement;
and the protection of citizens of the other Partner States while in their territories.