East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) aspirant Dr. Kisembo Tendo has expressed optimism that President Museveni's newly secured term will provide fresh momentum for East African regional integration, which he described as critical to the region's long-term prosperity and competitiveness.
Congratulating President Museveni on his re-election, Dr. Tendo said Uganda has reached a point where leadership should increasingly focus on strengthening cooperation within the East African Community (EAC) alongside national development priorities.
"The challenges and opportunities facing East Africa today require a new level of commitment to integration. The future of our people depends on how effectively we build systems that make regional unity a practical reality," he said.
According to Dr. Tendo, President Museveni's seventh term begins at a time when global economic uncertainty and shifting geopolitical dynamics make stronger regional cooperation essential for African countries seeking sustainable growth and greater economic resilience.
He said Uganda has made notable progress in infrastructure, regional diplomacy, energy, security and industrialisation over the years, but argued that the next phase of development should focus on deeper regional integration and improved economic competitiveness.
Among the priorities he highlighted was the long-awaited Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) network linking Uganda with Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
He described the project as both an economic and strategic investment that could transform regional trade, transport and industrial development.
Dr. Tendo also called for the elimination of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) across the East African Community, saying customs delays, administrative bottlenecks and protectionist measures continue to undermine the objectives of the Common Market.
"We cannot speak about integration while traders continue to face unnecessary barriers when moving goods across our borders. The free movement of people, goods and services must become a lived reality," he said.
He further advocated harmonised telecommunications policies to reduce roaming charges across East Africa, as well as a unified regional airspace to lower travel costs, boost tourism and facilitate trade.
On cultural integration, Dr. Tendo welcomed the growing adoption of Kiswahili across the region, describing the language as an important tool for promoting a shared East African identity and strengthening social and economic ties.
"Kiswahili has evolved beyond being a cultural language. It is now a strategic instrument for regional integration, and its promotion should remain a priority across East Africa," he said.
He argued that regional integration should ultimately deliver tangible benefits to citizens through job creation, industrialisation and value addition.
He urged East African countries to reduce their dependence on raw material exports by investing in manufacturing, agro-processing, pharmaceutical production and technology-driven industries capable of creating employment for the region's growing youth population.
Commenting on President Museveni's recent tribute to First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni during her 78th birthday celebrations, Dr. Tendo said the President's aspiration to witness a politically federated East Africa reflects his long-standing commitment to the regional integration agenda.
He also welcomed reforms adopted during the East African Community Heads of State Summit held in Arusha on March 7, 2026, including changes to the Community's funding mechanism and renewed commitments to eliminate non-tariff barriers.
According to Dr. Tendo, the resumption of the East African Legislative Assembly's activities after a prolonged period of inactivity signals renewed momentum for the regional integration project.
"Integration is back on course. The reforms adopted by the Summit have revived momentum, and there is now a real opportunity to move the East African project forward. I am committed to supporting these efforts and ensuring they translate into tangible benefits for our citizens," he said.
As support for his candidature continues to grow, Dr. Tendo appealed to the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Parliament and President Museveni to entrust him with the responsibility of representing Uganda in the East African Legislative Assembly.
"I seek the opportunity to serve Uganda and the East African Community at this critical moment. My commitment is to safeguard Uganda's national interests while helping strengthen regional integration and cooperation. We must ensure Uganda remains firmly connected to the East African project," he said.
The EALA elections are expected to determine Uganda's next representatives to the regional legislature, with candidates outlining their visions for advancing the East African integration agenda.