Arusha, Tanzania – A fresh chapter has begun for the East African Community (EAC) as Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially assumed the chairmanship from Kenya’s President William Ruto on March 7, 2026, during the 25th Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State. This transition marks Museveni’s fourth time leading the regional bloc, signaling a renewed focus on integration, economic expansion and collective security within East Africa. The handover ceremony underscored both the progress made under Ruto’s leadership and the expectations for Museveni’s tenure to address ongoing challenges and accelerate the EAC’s development.
The EAC, a critical component of the broader African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), is at a pivotal juncture. With a combined GDP exceeding $300 billion, the community faces the complex task of deepening economic ties and overcoming fragmentation to unlock its full potential. Museveni’s long-standing commitment to regionalism and Pan-Africanism positions him as a key figure in navigating these challenges and fostering a more unified and prosperous East Africa. His leadership comes at a time when the region is grappling with security concerns, infrastructure deficits, and the need to streamline decision-making processes as its membership continues to grow.
A New Approach to Decision-Making in a Growing Bloc
One of the key issues addressed during the summit was the increasing difficulty of reaching consensus among the EAC’s eight member states – Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Somalia. To address this, the EAC has adopted a new decision-making approach. According to President Ruto, decisions will now be made by consensus or by a 65 percent majority of member states. Sunrise Uganda reports this change aims to improve efficiency and facilitate more timely and effective responses to regional challenges. This shift reflects a pragmatic approach to governance, acknowledging the complexities of a growing and increasingly diverse community.
Museveni’s acceptance speech echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the historical imperative for African unity. He framed fragmentation as a consequence of colonial policies and argued that a unified East Africa is essential for securing sovereignty and prosperity. Quoting scripture, he declared, “What God has set together, let no man put asunder,” positioning integration not merely as a political strategy but as a moral obligation. This rhetoric underscores his deep-rooted belief in Pan-Africanism and his vision for a stronger, more self-reliant East Africa.
Expanding the EAC’s Footprint: Trade, Infrastructure, and Security
The outgoing chair, William Ruto, highlighted the progress achieved during his tenure, including advancements in trade facilitation, infrastructure development, digital integration, and peace efforts. The Kigali Times notes that trade among EAC member states increased from $33 billion in 2024 to $40.3 billion in 2025, demonstrating growing economic cooperation. Museveni is expected to build on these gains, prioritizing infrastructure projects – including railways, energy interconnections, and digital systems – that are crucial for economic expansion.
Expanding membership is as well a key priority. The integration of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into the EAC has already begun to unlock resource-rich markets, and Museveni is advocating for the accession of Somalia, which would secure vital maritime trade routes. Still, this expansion also presents challenges, particularly in addressing ongoing security crises in eastern DRC, South Sudan, and Somalia. Museveni acknowledged these concerns and called for collective security mechanisms to stabilize the region, drawing on Uganda’s experience in peacekeeping operations in Somalia and South Sudan. The EAC’s ability to effectively address these security challenges will be critical to its long-term stability and prosperity.
The DRC and Somalia: Key to Regional Integration
The inclusion of the Democratic Republic of Congo into the EAC, finalized in 2023, represents a significant step towards expanding the bloc’s economic and strategic influence. The DRC’s vast natural resources, including minerals crucial for the global energy transition, offer substantial economic opportunities for EAC member states. However, the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC poses a significant challenge to regional stability. Museveni’s chairmanship is expected to prioritize addressing this conflict through diplomatic and security initiatives, potentially leveraging the EAC’s collective resources and influence.
Similarly, the potential accession of Somalia to the EAC holds strategic importance, particularly in securing maritime trade routes in the Indian Ocean. Somalia’s long coastline and strategic location make it a vital link in regional and international trade networks. However, Somalia’s ongoing struggle with terrorism and political instability presents significant hurdles to its full integration into the EAC. Museveni’s leadership will be crucial in navigating these challenges and fostering a stable and secure environment for Somalia’s participation in the community.
Museveni’s Pan-African Vision and Geopolitical Implications
Museveni’s leadership is deeply rooted in Pan-Africanism, and his vision for the EAC extends beyond regional integration to encompass the broader goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By swift-tracking East African unity, he aims to position the EAC as a building block for a more integrated and prosperous Africa. This aligns with the AfCFTA’s objective of creating a single market for goods and services across the continent, fostering economic growth and reducing dependence on external powers.
In a geopolitical context marked by increasing competition for influence in East Africa, a more integrated EAC under Museveni’s stewardship could negotiate from a position of strength, ensuring that partnerships serve regional interests. Here’s particularly relevant as countries like China, the United States, and the European Union seek to expand their economic and political ties with East African nations. A unified EAC can leverage its collective bargaining power to secure favorable trade agreements, attract investment, and promote sustainable development.
The appointment of Stephen Patrick Mbundi as the new EAC Secretary-General, as reported by The Kigali Times, further signals a commitment to strengthening the EAC’s institutional capacity and administrative efficiency. Mbundi’s experience and expertise will be crucial in implementing the EAC’s strategic priorities and ensuring effective coordination among member states.
Key Takeaways
- New Leadership: Yoweri Museveni has assumed the EAC chairmanship, succeeding William Ruto and marking his fourth term in the role.
- Decision-Making Reform: The EAC has adopted a new decision-making process requiring consensus or a 65% majority vote to improve efficiency.
- Expansion Focus: Museveni’s tenure will prioritize expanding EAC membership, with a focus on integrating Somalia and consolidating the DRC’s participation.
- Security Concerns: Addressing ongoing conflicts in eastern DRC, South Sudan, and Somalia remains a critical challenge for the EAC.
- Pan-African Alignment: Museveni’s leadership aligns the EAC with the broader goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The handover ceremony in Arusha was not merely a change in leadership. it was a moment of collective affirmation, signaling a renewed commitment to regional integration and cooperation. Museveni’s speech and the endorsements from fellow heads of state set a hopeful tone, suggesting that East Africans can anticipate a chairmanship focused on enlargement, economic expansion, and collective security. The success of his tenure will depend on the EAC’s ability to overcome its challenges and realize the long-deferred dream of an East African federation – a community that is economically vibrant, politically stable, and globally influential.
The EAC Heads of State are scheduled to meet again in November 2026 to review progress on key initiatives and address emerging challenges. Further updates on the EAC’s activities and initiatives can be found on the official EAC website: https://www.eac.int/. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and perspectives on the future of the East African Community in the comments below.
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