Museveni takes over as EAC chair from Ruto at Arusha Summit

Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has been appointed the new chairperson of the East African Community (EAC), succeeding William Ruto, whose one-year term has come to an end.

The leadership transition was announced Saturday, March 7, 2026, during the 25th Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State held at the Arusha International Conference Centre in Arusha.

The change in leadership follows the bloc’s rotational system, where member states take turns chairing the regional organisation.

Handing over the chairmanship, President Ruto said the transition reflects the community’s commitment to structured and orderly leadership among partner states.

He thanked fellow heads of state for their cooperation during Kenya’s tenure at the helm of the regional bloc, noting that the period had seen important decisions aimed at strengthening regional integration.

"As I hand over the chairmanship of the EaC summit, I take this opportunity to register my sincere appreciation to all members of the summit of the EAC heads of state and cooperation extended to the Republic of Kenya and to me since November 30, 2024, when I assumed the position as chair of the EAC," he said.

Under Ruto’s leadership, the community deliberated on several reforms, including financing mechanisms, institutional changes and infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity across member states.

After assuming the role, President Museveni expressed appreciation to Ruto for guiding the regional bloc over the past year.

“I thank President William Ruto for steering the community over the last year and for the work done to strengthen our regional cooperation,” Museveni said.

He pledged to continue working with partner states to advance political, economic and social cooperation within the East African Community.

“We shall continue strengthening cooperation among our countries so that the East African Community can deliver prosperity and stability for our people,” Museveni added.

The Ugandan leader also thanked the host country for organising the summit and facilitating discussions among regional leaders.

“I also wish to thank President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the people of Tanzania for the warm reception accorded to us here in Arusha,” Museveni said.

The EAC currently brings together eight partner states, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia.

Regional leaders at the summit discussed a range of issues affecting the bloc, including trade integration, infrastructure development, regional security and institutional reforms.

The rotational leadership system of the EAC ensures that each partner state periodically chairs the organisation, guiding the agenda of the summit and overseeing the implementation of key regional initiatives.

Museveni is expected to lead the bloc for the next year, during which member states hope to accelerate economic integration, improve cross-border infrastructure and deepen political cooperation among the partner states.