As the East African Community (EAC) marks 25 years since its revival, the dream of a fully unified East Africa seems far from being realized.
Despite notable achievements, political analysts argue that inconsistent political will and national interests continue to hinder progress toward deeper regional integration.
Re-established in 1999 by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, the EAC has since expanded to include Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
While this growth underscores the region’s ambition, it also highlights the complexities of uniting diverse political and economic systems under a single framework.
Fred Mukasa Mbidde, a former East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) legislator, believes the EAC’s trajectory has been derailed by power politics.
“Fundamental pillars of integration, including East Africa as a single country, may take future generations to realize,” Mbidde warns.
Incremental Progress
The EAC has made strides in some areas, notably in adopting frameworks for its four pillars: the customs union, common market, monetary union, and eventual political federation.
However, Uganda’s EALA representative, James Kakooza, acknowledges that implementation has been slow and uneven.
“We’ve seen some progress in creating laws to enhance regional cooperation, but significant challenges remain,” Kakooza admits.
One of the EAC’s celebrated successes is visa-free travel between some member states. Yet, as Uganda’s Shadow Minister for East African Affairs, Lucy Akello, points out, this freedom is not consistently applied, reflecting uneven commitment among member states.
The Need for Grassroots Engagement
Akello highlights another critical issue: the lack of awareness about the EAC’s objectives among ordinary citizens. While leaders like President Museveni have championed integration, grassroots support remains low.
“For the EAC to succeed, citizens must be more informed and engaged in the integration agenda,” Akello stresses.
As the EAC commemorates 25 years, questions persist about its future direction. Can its leaders prioritize regional unity over national ambitions? Will the bloc address structural challenges, such as harmonizing policies and improving grassroots awareness?
Despite the obstacles, the EAC remains a symbol of hope for collaboration and shared prosperity in East Africa. The milestone of 25 years serves as both a celebration of progress and a reminder of the work ahead to fulfill the region’s collective aspirations.