President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has renewed calls for accelerated regional integration within the East African Community (EAC), emphasizing the need for stronger trade cooperation, improved infrastructure, and the fast-tracking of plans for a common regional currency.

The President made the remarks during a meeting with East African Community Secretary General Stephen Patrick Mbundi and his delegation at State Lodge Nakasero.

The discussions focused on key issues affecting the regional bloc, including trade, infrastructure development, health, financing, staffing within EAC institutions, and the broader agenda of regional integration.

Museveni, who currently serves as Chairperson of the EAC Summit, stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation among member states and accelerating the implementation of programmes aimed at improving the livelihoods of East Africans.

In a statement shared after the meeting, Museveni said he had discussed “trade, infrastructure, staffing, health, financing, and regional integration” with the EAC Secretary General and his team.

“As Chairperson of the EAC Summit, I emphasised the need to strengthen regional cooperation and accelerate the implementation of programmes that advance prosperity and integration for our people,” Museveni said.

Museveni reiterated his support for integrated transport infrastructure across the region, particularly the rationalisation of transport systems to improve efficiency and lower transportation costs.

He argued that railway transport should be prioritised for heavy cargo and petroleum products, while roads should primarily serve passenger traffic and lighter cargo.

The President directed transport authorities and EAC officials to work together to develop practical solutions aimed at improving regional connectivity and strengthening cross-border trade.

The meeting brought together senior officials from both the East African Community and the Government of Uganda. The Ugandan delegation was led by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga. It also included Minister of State for East African Community Affairs James Magode Ikuya, Uganda’s Consul General in Arusha Ambassador Anne Katusiime, and officials from the Ministry of East African Community Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to officials, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening regional cooperation and advancing programmes that promote prosperity and integration across East Africa.

A major highlight of the meeting was renewed discussion on the proposed East African Monetary Union and the long-term goal of establishing a common currency for the region.

Kadaga expressed optimism that significant progress could be achieved during Museveni's tenure as Chairperson of the EAC Summit.

“I am really hoping that during your tenure we should be able to achieve at least the last two pillars, integration and monetary union,” she said.

EAC Secretary General Stephen Patrick Mbundi urged Museveni to engage regional central bank governors to accelerate implementation of the monetary union, arguing that exchange rate fluctuations continue to affect businesses and citizens across the region.

He further proposed a phased approach that would allow countries ready to meet convergence requirements to adopt the common currency first, with other member states joining later.

President Museveni also welcomed a proposal from the EAC Secretariat that would require non-member countries exporting goods into the East African market to make financial contributions to the regional bloc.

Describing the proposal as innovative, the President said it could help strengthen the Community's financial base while ensuring external beneficiaries contribute to regional development efforts.

Museveni also challenged the East African Business Council to play a more constructive role in supporting the growth of the regional market.

He urged stakeholders to avoid actions that could hinder regional economic expansion and instead focus on strengthening the East African market for the benefit of member states.

The President's remarks come as East African leaders continue to pursue deeper economic integration through enhanced trade, infrastructure connectivity, and monetary cooperation under the EAC framework.

The East African Community remains one of Africa’s most ambitious regional blocs, bringing together member states in efforts to promote economic growth, political cooperation, and shared prosperity across the region.