Kampala — THE East African states will next month start handling consular and visa services on each other's behalf. This follows the signing of a protocol on foreign policy coordination.

Ugandan envoys were briefed by officials on Saturday that the visa protocol would be signed next month.

The envoys were meeting the First Deputy Prime Minister and East African affairs minsiter, Eriya Kategaya, at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala.

The political and legal affairs commissioner, Lawrence Mpitsi Mujuni, told the ambassadors that the member states were currently working on the establishment of a common market for the East African Community following the establishment of the customs union in 2005.

Once the common market is established this year, it will allow the free movement of goods and services in the five East African countries of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. The five countries have a joint market of 150 million people.