Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has called on East Africans to honor the region’s rich trade history and leverage it to strengthen economic collaboration as the East African Community (EAC) marks 25 years since its revival.
Speaking at a commemorative side event on Friday, President Museveni emphasized that the region’s trade connectivity predates the colonial era by centuries.
“While we celebrate 25 years of the revived EAC, we must also acknowledge over 1,000 years of trade connectivity in our region,” the President said.
The community is marking 25 years since the treaty establishing it was signed.
Highlighting historical artefacts from sites like Bigo bya Mugenyi in Uganda, he noted that the region was a thriving Connected Trade Area (CTA) long before European influence. This trade network connected the East African coast, the savanna lands of central Tanzania, and the Great Lakes region.
Museveni urged East Africans to draw inspiration from this history to build a robust and integrated regional market that fosters economic prosperity. “We must leverage this heritage to strengthen our economic ties and collaboration,” he stated.
The President also paid tribute to the founding leaders of the EAC – Mzee Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, and Dr. Milton Obote of Uganda – whose vision and commitment laid the foundation for regional cooperation. While their goal of political federation was not fully realized, Museveni said their efforts were a bold and significant step toward integration.
This vision dates back to June 1963, when Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere hosted a historic meeting in Nairobi with Kenyan President Jomo Kenyatta and Ugandan President Milton Obote. The three leaders, driven by the ideals of Pan-Africanism and regional unity, agreed to merge their countries into a single East African Federation by the end of the year.
“In a rapidly evolving world, regional integration is essential not just for economic growth but also for strategic security,” Museveni asserted.
He emphasized that Pan-Africanism is more than an emotional aspiration; it is a necessity for creating a large, integrated market capable of supporting wealth creators and ensuring the prosperity of all East Africans.
The President reaffirmed Uganda’s dedication to the ideals of regional integration, urging member states to work together to achieve shared goals for a stronger and more resilient East African Community.
