President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) to prioritize the realization of the East African market integration and federation, warning that failure to do so could hinder the region’s development, much like the case of Latin America.
During the opening of the 3rd Session of the 5th Assembly of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) in Entebbe, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni emphasized the urgent need for market integration and the realization of a political federation in East Africa. In his address, Museveni appealed to the Assembly members to play their part in ensuring that the dream of a unified East African market becomes a reality.
He warned that failure to integrate the region’s markets could leave East Africa underdeveloped, drawing a comparison to Latin America—a resource-rich region that has struggled to achieve widespread economic success due to market fragmentation.
“Latin America is a very rich part of the world, but you see them on TV walking on foot to go to the United States, which is not richer than them in terms of natural resources but is better organized,” Museveni said. “Part of the problem in Latin America is their fragmented market. You people are historically very privileged. You should help us solve the problem of market integration.”
Museveni’s remarks come at a crucial time for the East African Community (EAC), which has been making strides toward economic integration through efforts like a single customs territory and a common market. However, Museveni made it clear that more needs to be done to fully realize these goals, warning that a failure to unify could lead to stagnation and missed opportunities for growth.
The President’s address also tied into the core principles of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), which he noted are essential for driving East Africa’s prosperity. He outlined four key pillars of the NRM: Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Democracy, and Socio-Economic Transformation, all of which, he argued, are critical to achieving meaningful progress for the region.
“Patriotism and Pan-Africanism must guide us toward integration, while Democracy ensures the inclusion of all voices in the process,” Museveni explained. “Socio-Economic Transformation is the ultimate goal to lift our people out of poverty and into prosperity.”
Agitating for stronger market integration and political unity, Museveni urged EALA members to take the lead in addressing the barriers that have held back the region from fully capitalizing on its collective potential. The East African Community (EAC) comprises countries with vast natural resources and a growing population, positioning it as a key player in the global economy, but only if it can overcome the challenges of fragmented markets and limited coordination.
The President’s appeal, grounded in the values of the NRM, highlights the ongoing efforts to ensure that East Africa’s future is one of cooperation, growth, and shared success.
