By Namuddu Patience
ARUSHA, TANZANIA — Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has assumed the chairmanship of the East African Community (EAC), taking over from William Ruto during the 25th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State held in Arusha, Tanzania.
The transition follows the bloc’s rotational leadership system, where heads of state from member countries serve one-year terms as chairperson. Museveni will lead the EAC from March 2026 to March 2027, steering the regional agenda during a period marked by both opportunity and challenge.
Under his leadership, Museveni is expected to push for deeper regional integration, economic collaboration, and sustainable infrastructure development. The EAC, comprising Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia, has long prioritized initiatives such as the Customs Union, Common Market, and plans for a future Monetary Union and Political Federation.
Analysts suggest Museveni’s tenure could bring renewed focus on cross-border trade, industrialization, and financial sustainability of the bloc. Several member states have faced delays in paying statutory contributions, a factor that has affected the operations of the EAC secretariat.
The summit in Arusha also focused on institutional reforms and regional stability. Leaders appointed Tanzanian diplomat Stephen Patrick Mbundi as the new Secretary-General of the EAC to spearhead administrative reforms and improve operational efficiency.
The EAC continues to grapple with security concerns in parts of the region and financial pressures that require careful coordination among member states. Museveni, who has extensive experience in regional diplomacy, is seen as a stabilizing figure capable of guiding the bloc through these challenges.
Museveni, Uganda’s president since 1986, has previously chaired the EAC summit and played a key role in the community’s earlier integration efforts. His familiarity with East African politics and regional economic issues positions him to advance ongoing initiatives and negotiate solutions to emerging challenges.
The East African Community remains one of Africa’s most ambitious regional integration projects. As chairperson, Museveni will coordinate efforts to accelerate development projects, strengthen regional stability, and promote economic growth. Observers say his leadership could also influence policies on trade, infrastructure, and regional cooperation, shaping the EAC’s trajectory in the coming year.