Leaders from across East Africa are gathering in Arusha, Tanzania for the 25th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State of the East African Community (EAC), with discussions expected to focus on strengthening regional integration and improving livelihoods across the bloc.
The summit is being held under the theme “Deepening Integration for Improved Livelihoods of EAC Citizens.”
The meeting will bring together presidents and senior officials from member states to review progress on the EAC’s key pillars, including trade, infrastructure development, and economic transformation.
Yoweri Kaguta Museveni arrived in Arusha on March 6, 2026, to take part in the high-level meeting, highlighting Uganda’s commitment to advancing regional cooperation within the bloc.
Officials say the summit provides a crucial platform for evaluating the progress made in implementing policies that promote the free movement of goods, services, and people among member states.
Fred Mwesigye, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, said the summit offers an important opportunity for leaders to review progress on regional integration and agree on practical measures that will improve the livelihoods of citizens across the East African Community.
The gathering is also expected to address emerging regional priorities and strengthen cooperation among partner states to ensure sustainable economic growth.
Anne Katusiime, Head of the Uganda Consulate in Arusha, said the theme of this year’s summit reflects the commitment of EAC partner states to ensure that regional integration directly benefits the people of East Africa.
President Museveni was received by a delegation of Tanzanian and Ugandan officials led by Patrobas Katambi, Tanzania’s Minister of Home Affairs, and Dennis Londo, Tanzania’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade.
The summit is expected to produce resolutions aimed at accelerating integration efforts and strengthening cooperation among the eight-member regional bloc.
