President Museveni has officially taken over the chairmanship of the East African Community (EAC), succeeding Kenya’s President William Ruto at the 25th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State held in Arusha on Saturday.
The transition places Uganda at the helm of the eight-member regional bloc for the 2026–2027 term, with expectations that the leadership will push forward deeper regional integration, address security challenges and confront financial constraints affecting the Community.
Museveni assumed the role during the high-level summit attended by leaders from across the region, where discussions focused on strengthening cooperation and advancing the EAC’s long-standing ambition of economic and political unity.
In his acceptance remarks, Museveni expressed appreciation to fellow heads of state for the confidence placed in him to guide the regional body over the next year.
“I thank Their Excellencies, the Heads of State of the East African Community, for entrusting me with the responsibility of serving as Chairperson of the EAC Summit for the next year,” Museveni said.
He also reflected on Africa’s historical struggles, emphasizing that unity remains critical to the continent’s future.
“Africa must avoid what I call ‘Okukonesa’, the mis-cooking of the African Revolution. Historically, our weaknesses of disunity, poor leadership and failure to adopt science allowed the continent to be colonised. We achieved Uhuru (freedom). The next mission must be Umoja (unity),” Museveni said.
Outgoing chairperson Ruto congratulated Museveni on assuming leadership of the regional bloc and expressed confidence in his stewardship.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, on his appointment as the new EAC Chairperson,” Ruto said.
The summit also confirmed that Rwanda will serve as the Rapporteur of the Community during the new leadership cycle.
In other key decisions, leaders appointed Ambassador Stephen Patrick Mbundi of Tanzania as the new Secretary General of the EAC for a five-year non-renewable term beginning April 25, 2026.
The summit further renewed the appointments of Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth as Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, and Annette Mutaabwe Ssemuwemba as Deputy Secretary General responsible for Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs.
Leaders also strengthened the judicial arm of the Community by appointing Justice Diejo Stephen Abraham, Abdiwahid Warsame Abdullahi and Anne Atieno Amadi as judges to the First Instance Division of the East African Court of Justice, effective March 7, 2026.
Museveni’s tenure begins at a time when the regional bloc faces complex security challenges, expanding membership and renewed calls to accelerate economic integration across East Africa.
