The effectiveness of the East African Community (EAC) has come under renewed scrutiny after former Ugandan presidential candidate Mubarak Munyagwa criticised the regional bloc, arguing that persistent trade disputes, weak enforcement of regulations, and the absence of the rule of law are undermining its credibility.
Speaking during the Eagle political talk show on NBS Television, Munyagwa described the regional body as increasingly ineffective, saying some member states are failing to uphold the agreements and principles that underpin regional integration.
“The East African Community is gradually becoming a non-starter because member states do not respect its regulations,” Munyagwa said during the televised discussion.
The EAC, which brings together Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was established to promote regional trade, free movement of people and broader economic integration across East Africa.
However, Munyagwa argued that many of the bloc’s commitments remain largely on paper.
Drawing from personal experience, the former legislator recounted challenges he faced while travelling within the region, highlighting corruption and administrative barriers that contradict the spirit of regional cooperation.
“I once travelled to Burundi and had to pay a bribe just to access the airport, yet I was a Member of Parliament,” he said.
“This shows how far we still are from the ideals of regional integration.”
He also criticised immigration procedures within the bloc, arguing that some member states continue to impose restrictions that contradict EAC agreements on the free movement of people.
“According to the regional framework, East Africans should be able to move freely, but when you enter Tanzania you are sometimes still required to obtain a visa,” Munyagwa said.
Beyond travel restrictions, Munyagwa pointed to recurring trade conflicts between partner states as evidence that the regional market is not functioning as intended.
He cited instances where Kenyan authorities have blocked Ugandan exports, particularly agricultural products, creating tensions between the two countries.
“Kenya has on several occasions stopped the entry of Ugandan products into its market,” he noted, adding that such actions undermine the concept of a common market.
Munyagwa also questioned the bloc’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, arguing that regional institutions have remained silent on incidents that appear to violate legal standards.
“What has the East African Community done in 20 years to promote the rule of law?” he asked. “Nothing.”
He cited the controversial arrest of opposition figure Kizza Besigye in Kenya as an example of what he described as a breakdown of legal processes within the region.
According to Munyagwa, such incidents raise questions about the bloc’s ability to enforce democratic and legal standards among member states.
The former presidential candidate further pointed to governance and financial challenges within the regional body, noting that some member states have reportedly failed to remit their financial contributions.
This, he argued, has affected the operations of regional institutions, including the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).
“Some countries do not even pay their subscription fees, which has forced member states to directly contribute funds to pay members of the East African Legislative Assembly,” Munyagwa said. “That clearly shows there is a problem.”
He also referenced ongoing tensions in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where Kinshasa has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, saying such conflicts further demonstrate the bloc’s inability to resolve regional security challenges.
“In fact, Uganda should even consider leaving the bloc if these structural weaknesses persist,” Munyagwa argued.
During the same programme, political activist Ingrid Turinawe offered a broader political perspective on governance trends within the region.
“I predict some presidents within the bloc want to adopt the style of leadership of Yoweri Museveni so that they can prolong their stay in power,” Turinawe said, adding that the growing influence of long-serving leaders in the region raises concerns about democratic governance.
Despite the criticisms, panelists acknowledged that the regional bloc still holds significant potential if member states recommit to its founding principles.
Analysts say strengthening the rule of law, resolving trade disputes and ensuring compliance with regional agreements will be critical if the East African Community is to achieve its long-standing goals of economic integration, political cooperation and shared prosperity across East Africa.
