President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has thanked fellow leaders of the East African Community (EAC) for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the regional bloc as the new Chairperson of the EAC Summit of Heads of State.
In a message shared on his official account on X on March 7, 2026, President Museveni said the region must take the issue of East African integration seriously if it is to improve the lives of its people.
“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,” President Museveni wrote.
The President warned that delaying regional integration would be a mistake that could hold back development in East Africa.
He said some actors treat the integration process as optional, yet he believes that unity among East African countries is necessary if the region is to avoid economic and political marginalization.
“If we do not work on the EAC integration seriously without wasting time, we betray our people,” Museveni noted.
The President added that Africa must avoid what he called “Okukonesa,” a Luganda word he used to describe the mismanagement or “mis-cooking” of the African revolution.
According to Museveni, the continents past challenges such as disunity, weak leadership and failure to embrace science and technology made Africa vulnerable to colonization.
Museveni said African countries have already achieved political independence, commonly referred to as Uhuru (freedom). However, he emphasized that the next important step should be Umoja (unity).
He explained that economic prosperity depends on production and access to larger markets, and warned that fragmented markets across African countries keep the continent economically weak.
“Africa must build its own internal market through integration,” he said.
To emphasize the importance of cooperation, the President shared a traditional Luganda proverb:
“Omuggo oguli ku mulirano tegugoba ngo,” meaning “the stick in the neighbour’s house cannot chase away the leopard.”
The proverb highlights the idea that countries must work together to solve common challenges rather than relying on others.
President Museveni will serve as Chairperson of the EAC Summit from March 2026 to March 2027, taking over the rotational leadership from William Ruto.
The EAC currently brings together eight member states: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia.
As chairperson, Museveni is expected to guide the bloc in addressing regional security concerns, economic cooperation and deeper political integration among member states.
He concluded by stressing that the mission of the region remains clear: “Uhuru na Umoja” Freedom and Unity.
