Dismas Twagiramungu

EDITOR - I am alarmed at the whole idea of individual countries in East Africa spending large sums of money on identity cards.

What is this all about? Tanzania spent US$20million, Rwanda issued new ID cards at US$18million.

Now Uganda is set to spend US$ 88million. It is also said that Kenya will spend at least US$ 26 million for a newer ID card!

All this money will be wasted if the East African Community (EAC) suddenly decides to issue an Identity card.

I think our governments are not being foresighted with this issue and should re-consider. It would be more prudent if any new such expenditure can be coordinated by the EAC.

Another case in point is the recent introduction of number plates in Burundi.

This was money that could have been put to better use for example in strengthening infrastructure.

Dismas Twagiramungu

Bujumbura Burundi