25 Year Of EAC: President Museveni Praises Founding Fathers Dr Obote, Nyerere And Kenyatta

The East African Community(EAC) Heads of State gathered in Arusha, Tanzania, for the 24th Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State High-Level Side Event on EAC at 25 years.

The president of the Republic of Uganda Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni noted that Twenty-five years ago, the journey toward the East African Community was renewed.

"I am pleased that we can gather in Arusha to celebrate this milestone during the 24th Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State and Government.

As we celebrate 25 years of the revived EAC, I proposed in my speech today that we also acknowledge more than 1,000 years of trade connectivity in the region. The rich history of ancient trade, illustrated by artefacts from Bigo bya Mugenyi in Uganda, indicates that our region was a thriving "Connected Trade Area" (CTA) long before the arrival of Europeans. This area connected the East African coast, the savanna lands of central Tanzania, and the Great Lakes region. We must leverage this heritage to strengthen our economic ties and collaboration".He said.

" As we reflect on our journey, we recognise the vision of Mzee Kenyatta, Mwalimu Nyerere, and Dr. Obote, their bold decision to establish the EAC was a significant step, even though the political federation they envisioned  not fully realised. Finally, integration is essential for both economic prosperity and strategic security. Pan-Africanism is not just an emotional aspiration. It is a practical necessity for creating a large, integrated market that supports wealth creators and ensures the prosperity of our people".Remarked President Museveni. 

Kenya's President Dr William Ruto noted that, the ambition of an East African Community (EAC) Political Confederation is an extraordinary journey towards deeper integration of our region.

" While there are challenges that we must conquer, the potential benefits of such a union are considerable. Kenya undertakes to keep playing a central role in leading this journey through experience sharing, consensus building, budgetary support and sustaining the right environment for EAC unity".He Added. 

Dr Rito added that, Peace and stability are critical pillars in guaranteeing investment, business and trade in the East African Community (EAC). It is, therefore, our collective effort to ensure security reigns in our region. Consequently, Kenya has invested fully in peace efforts in South Sudan. Tremendous progress has been made and we are hopeful of a secure and stable South Sudan. We are also working together with other Partner States in ensuring peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Horn of Africa. The stability of the DRC and Somalia is crucial to our region’s prosperity.