Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially assumed the role of Chairperson of the East African Community (EAC) Summit of Heads of State and Government.
The transition took place on March 7, 2026, during the 25th Ordinary Summit of the EAC held at the Arusha International Conference Centre in Arusha, Tanzania. Museveni succeeded William Ruto, the President of Kenya, whose one year term as chairperson had come to an end.
Rotational Leadership in the EAC
The leadership of the EAC Summit rotates annually among member states as part of the bloc’s governance structure. The system is designed to ensure shared leadership and equal representation among partner states.
Under this arrangement, Museveni will serve as chairperson until March 2027, overseeing the implementation of key regional policies and guiding discussions on the bloc’s development agenda.
A Growing Regional Bloc
The East African Community has expanded significantly in recent years and now includes eight member states: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Somalia.
Together, the bloc represents a population of more than 300 million people, making it one of Africa’s most significant regional economic communities.
Museveni Calls for Stronger Integration
During his acceptance remarks, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni emphasized the importance of deeper regional cooperation and economic integration.
He warned that Africa risks global marginalization if countries fail to unite and strengthen their economic partnerships. Museveni called for greater intra-regional trade, reduced trade barriers, and stronger collaboration to promote shared prosperity and stability across the region.
New Secretary General Appointed
The summit also announced the appointment of Stephen Patrick Mbundi, a Tanzanian ambassador, as the new Secretary General of the East African Community.
Mbundi replaces Veronica Nduva of Kenya. The decision comes as the bloc continues efforts to address financial constraints and improve institutional efficiency.
Expectations for Museveni’s Tenure
Observers say Museveni’s leadership comes at a critical moment for the region. The EAC continues to face several challenges, including trade disputes among member states, persistent non tariff barriers, and security concerns in parts of the Great Lakes region.
However, supporters believe his decades of political experience could help push forward key initiatives such as regional infrastructure development, economic harmonization, and discussions around a future political federation.
During the year, Rwanda will serve as the regional rapporteur, assisting with coordination and reporting on summit decisions.
As chairperson of the EAC Summit, Museveni now takes on the responsibility of steering one of Africa’s fastest growing regional blocs toward deeper integration and stronger global competitiveness.
