Yoweri Museveni has officially taken over as Chairperson of the East African Community from outgoing Kenyan President William Ruto during the 25th Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State. Speaking at the Summit in Arusha, Tanzania, Museveni called on member states to focus on Africa’s transformation, warning that failure to embrace technology, innovation, and strong […]
Yoweri Museveni has officially taken over as Chairperson of the East African Community from outgoing Kenyan President William Ruto during the 25th Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State.
Speaking at the Summit in Arusha, Tanzania, Museveni called on member states to focus on Africa’s transformation, warning that failure to embrace technology, innovation, and strong leadership could undermine progress.
He pledged to deepen economic integration by strengthening trade links, expanding roads, railways, and logistics corridors, improving customs systems, and using science and digital tools to connect governments, businesses, and youth. On financing, Museveni welcomed a new formula ensuring wealthier economies contribute more, easing pressure on smaller states while making the bloc’s budget sustainable.
Despite progress under outgoing Chair William Ruto, East Africa faces serious hurdles. Trade barriers, fragmented markets, security threats, political instability, and funding shortfalls continue to slow regional growth. Differences in national priorities and politics have often weakened collective action, making cooperation a challenge as the bloc expands to eight countries.
Museveni called on leaders to unite, eliminate regulatory obstacles, and embrace technology to create opportunities for citizens, especially the young. He said only by working together can East Africa achieve the promise of a prosperous, integrated, and competitive regional market.
With Museveni at the helm, the EAC embarks on a new chapter, focused on unity, innovation, trade, and development, with the success of his leadership hinging on whether member states can set aside differences and fully embrace regional integration.
Ruto mentioned major achievements during his tenure, including a 22% rise in intra-EAC trade, growth in exports, and the launch of the East African Customs Bond to speed up cross-border trade. He also praised efforts in infrastructure, citing roads and the Kenya-Uganda Standard Gauge Railway, and digital integration initiatives aimed at boosting business and innovation across the region.
On security, Ruto noted progress in peace efforts in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, now led by the African Union.
Summit delegates also agreed on reforms to EAC financing, new rules for paying East African Legislative Assembly salaries, and stricter requirements for nominating leaders to senior EAC positions.
Ruto handed over the chairmanship, expressing confidence that under Museveni, the Community will continue moving forward towards a prosperous and united East Africa.
The East African Community is grappling with internal tensions that hinder regional integration, including border disputes at the Kenya,Uganda,South Sudan tri‑junction, persistent trade barriers, and inconsistent customs rules.
Security challenges in South Sudan and eastern DRC, political disagreements among member states, and financial strains from unpaid contributions further complicate cooperation and weaken trust.
These issues slow decision-making, stall economic and policy integration, and threaten the effectiveness of key institutions.
