The World Trade Organisations (WTOs)

The Doha Round had been envisaged to be concluded by the end of 2006, but negotiations are still continuing. There is a need therefore for continued and effective engagement of stakeholders in the negotiations to ensure favorable rules for sustainable development. At the conclusion of the Round it will be necessary to assess and evaluate the outcomes of the negotiations against Uganda’s development objectives; and agree on how to take advantage of the benefits. Uganda needs also to position itself to grapple with the challenges of implementing the agreements concluded.

A number of challenges still face Uganda in her efforts to effectively engage in the WTO negotiations, to protect and promote her national development interests. Although Uganda has gone a long way in defending her interests in the WTO negotiations as a result of increased technical capacity and the participation of stakeholders i.e. CSOs , Private sector , MPs , the capacity has not yet matched the increasing burden of the trade negotiations. The available human, technical and financial resources to effectively engage in the WTO negotiations are still inadequate.
 The link between the negotiations at the global level and the national development concerns is still weak. There is lack of continuous analysis and follow-up of the implications of the outcomes of the negotiations on national development processes. This is compounded by the limited technical linkages between the mission and the capital; and the lack of awareness and appreciation among key stakeholders on the relevance of the WTO negotiations and their implications on national development processes.

Therefore there is a need to:

1. Examine and analyse the implications of the outcomes from the Doha Round and other WTO trade negotiations and agreements on specific sectors of the economy. 
2. Sensitize key stakeholders and the public about the implications of the outcomes from the Doha Round and other WTO trade negotiations
3. Monitor developments in the trade negotiations and implementation of their outcomes
4. Disseminate information to various stakeholders
5. Provide technical support to the negotiators (capital and Geneva/Brussels)
6. Strengthen the capacity of key stakeholders to understand and appreciate the importance of the multilateral/bilateral trade issues
7. Participate in international, regional and national fora to influence trade negotiations with a view of ensuring pro-development outcomes that will lead to eradication of poverty.
8. Provide forum for dialogue for negotiators and other key stakeholders at national and region levels for consensus building and sensitization around trade negotiating positions and policies.

Specific Objectives:

1. To assess the outcomes of the Doha round and other multilateral trade negotiations in order to evaluate the overall balance against national and regional development interests. 
2. To raise awareness of different stakeholders on the outcomes of the Bilateral/Multilateral negotiations and the implications of commitments undertaken.
3. To provide information on the developments in trade negotiations on a continuous basis
4. To strengthen the technical capacity of key stakeholders to effectively influence multilateral trade negotiations and other WTO-related policies at country level and within the region

Activities

1. Carry out 3 assessment studies on the implications of the outcomes from trade negotiations on Uganda’s economy: 1 study on the Doha Round/Doha work programme and 2 studies on WTO Agreements in line with specific sectors. 
2. Produce and Publish products from the 3 assessment studies on the implications of the outcomes from trade negotiations and agreements  on Uganda’s economy
3. Hold 6 sensitization workshops on the outcomes of the Doha Round and other WTO trade negotiations on Uganda’s economy: 3 for Members of Parliament and 3 for other stakeholders
4. Hold 3 public dialogues on the outcomes of the Doha Round and other WTO trade negotiations on Uganda’s economy
5. Organize at least 24 talk shows on the outcomes of the Doha Round and other WTO trade negotiations on Uganda’s economy: 18 talk shows on radio and 6 on television
6. Produce 3 newspaper inserts/articles on the on the outcomes of the Doha Round and other WTO trade negotiations on Uganda’s economy and people’s livelihoods.
7. Participate in key meetings on the Doha Round and other WTO negotiations
8. Carry out continuous analysis of the developments in the negotiations, package and disseminate information electronically.
9. Organize 3 Eastern African sub-region fora for negotiators and other key stakeholders to develop consensus around trade negotiating positions and outcomes.
10. Participate in and support negotiators through the IITC meetings and national meetings
11. Develop and disseminate Policy Briefs for trade negotiators and other government officials
12. Repackage and disseminate information tailored to the needs of different stakeholders e.g. fact sheets, position papers, etc
13. Organize CSO (including media) forums to discuss critical issues and build consensus around trade advocacy
14. Organize strategic meetings for Members of Parliament particularly the parliamentary committee on trade
15. Organize debates around WTO issues in institutions of higher learning
16. Produce, edit, publish and disseminate newsletter

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Research and Documentation

SEATINI undertakes or commissions research on trade related matters. The research findings are published in full length manuscripts and smaller Briefing Papers on specific issues for the purposes of providing education to a broad readership, initiating debate and generally giving information...

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Organization & Administration

SEATINI is run by an Chief Executive Director, a deputy director and coordinator of Southern Africa, and a coordinator of Eastern Africa. These principle officers are assisted by a minimal supporting staff and a team of researchers, consultants, and international experts with practical experience in the area of trade negotiations. SEATINI also draws heavily from international organizations such as the UNCTAD, UNDP and the WTO.