Da Dona
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
- 799
- 508
President Yoweri Museveni has called for accelerated regional integration within the East African Community (EAC), emphasizing improved infrastructure, stronger trade cooperation, and the establishment of a common currency to boost economic growth across the region. He made the remarks during a meeting with EAC Secretary General Stephen Patrick Mbundi and his delegation at State Lodge Nakasero.
Museveni said East African countries must work together more closely to address common challenges and unlock opportunities that can improve the welfare of citizens across the region. Discussions during the meeting covered trade, infrastructure development, staffing, health, financing, and broader efforts to deepen integration among EAC member states.
A major focus of the meeting was the proposed East African Monetary Union, which aims to introduce a common currency for the region. Secretary General Mbundi urged Museveni, who currently chairs the EAC Summit, to engage regional central bank governors to speed up the process. According to Mbundi, frequent exchange-rate fluctuations continue to hurt businesses and ordinary citizens across East Africa, making cross-border trade more expensive and unpredictable.
Museveni also stressed the need for better regional transport infrastructure. He argued that railways should be prioritized for transporting heavy cargo and petroleum products, while roads should mainly serve passengers and lighter goods. He directed transport authorities and EAC officials to work together on practical solutions that can improve regional connectivity and reduce transport costs.
The President further welcomed a proposal from the EAC Secretariat that would require countries outside the EAC that export goods into the East African market to contribute financially to the Community. Museveni described the proposal as innovative and worthy of consideration, saying those benefiting from access to the regional market should also contribute to its development.
Also present at the meeting was Rebecca Kadaga, Uganda's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs. Kadaga said Museveni's leadership of the EAC comes with significant responsibility and expressed optimism that progress can be made on the remaining pillars of integration, particularly political federation and the monetary union.
The meeting comes as the EAC continues to pursue key priorities, including expanding cross-border infrastructure, increasing intra-regional trade, harmonizing policies, and strengthening regional institutions. Museveni reaffirmed Uganda's commitment to these objectives and called for renewed efforts to ensure regional integration delivers tangible benefits to East Africans.
The EAC currently comprises eight partner states: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia. The bloc's long-term goals include a customs union, common market, monetary union, and ultimately a political federation.
Nile post UG
Museveni said East African countries must work together more closely to address common challenges and unlock opportunities that can improve the welfare of citizens across the region. Discussions during the meeting covered trade, infrastructure development, staffing, health, financing, and broader efforts to deepen integration among EAC member states.
A major focus of the meeting was the proposed East African Monetary Union, which aims to introduce a common currency for the region. Secretary General Mbundi urged Museveni, who currently chairs the EAC Summit, to engage regional central bank governors to speed up the process. According to Mbundi, frequent exchange-rate fluctuations continue to hurt businesses and ordinary citizens across East Africa, making cross-border trade more expensive and unpredictable.
Museveni also stressed the need for better regional transport infrastructure. He argued that railways should be prioritized for transporting heavy cargo and petroleum products, while roads should mainly serve passengers and lighter goods. He directed transport authorities and EAC officials to work together on practical solutions that can improve regional connectivity and reduce transport costs.
The President further welcomed a proposal from the EAC Secretariat that would require countries outside the EAC that export goods into the East African market to contribute financially to the Community. Museveni described the proposal as innovative and worthy of consideration, saying those benefiting from access to the regional market should also contribute to its development.
Also present at the meeting was Rebecca Kadaga, Uganda's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs. Kadaga said Museveni's leadership of the EAC comes with significant responsibility and expressed optimism that progress can be made on the remaining pillars of integration, particularly political federation and the monetary union.
The meeting comes as the EAC continues to pursue key priorities, including expanding cross-border infrastructure, increasing intra-regional trade, harmonizing policies, and strengthening regional institutions. Museveni reaffirmed Uganda's commitment to these objectives and called for renewed efforts to ensure regional integration delivers tangible benefits to East Africans.
The EAC currently comprises eight partner states: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia. The bloc's long-term goals include a customs union, common market, monetary union, and ultimately a political federation.
Nile post UG
