Arusha, Tanzania – H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni arrived in Arusha on 7th March to participate in the 25th Ordinary Summit of the East African Community (EAC) Heads of State, a high-level gathering aimed at advancing regional integration and strengthening economic cooperation across East Africa. Held under the theme “Deepening Integration for Improved Livelihoods of EAC Citizens,” the summit brought together leaders from across the bloc to review progress on regional priorities including trade expansion, infrastructure development, and economic transformation. The meeting also explored strategies to accelerate initiatives designed to improve the welfare of more than 300 million citizens living within the East African Community.
On arrival in Arusha, President Museveni was received by a joint delegation of Tanzanian and Ugandan officials including senior diplomats and government officials, reflecting the close ties between Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania within the regional integration framework. The summit reached a major milestone when President Museveni formally assumed the Chairmanship of the EAC Summit, taking over from outgoing chairperson William Ruto, President of Kenya, during the closing session held at the Arusha International Conference Centre. In his remarks as incoming chairperson, President Museveni expressed appreciation to regional leaders for the confidence placed in him to guide the Community over the coming year. He emphasised that East Africa stands at a decisive moment in its history, and urged leaders and citizens alike to remain committed to the long-term mission of Africa’s transformation through unity, modernisation, and economic cooperation.
Reflecting on the continent’s historical journey, the Ugandan leader stressed that Africa’s progress depends not only on political independence but also on deeper economic integration capable of creating large regional markets that support industrialisation and sustained growth. He noted that fragmented markets continue to limit the continent’s economic potential and called for stronger collaboration among partner states to overcome these constraints.The summit also approved the appointment of Stephen Patrick Mbundi of Tanzania as the new Secretary General of the East African Community. Additional milestones included the launch of the EAC’s 7th Development Strategy (2026/27–2030/31) and the introduction of the EAC Customs Bond, an initiative aimed at facilitating trade and improving efficiency across regional supply chains. As chair of the Summit, President Museveni is expected to guide the Community’s efforts toward deeper integration, enhanced economic cooperation, and strengthened regional stability key pillars in the pursuit of prosperity for East Africa’s rapidly growing population.
