President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda recently concluded a state visit to Kenya, during which we had the opportunity to engage in high-level discussions and reaffirm our shared vision for a united East African Community (EAC). As the current President of Kenya and a candidate for the African Union Commission, I am grateful for President Museveni’s continued support and our productive conversations on strengthening regional integration and cooperation.

Fostering Bilateral Relations and Economic Cooperation

President Museveni’s visit to Kenya aimed to strengthen the longstanding bilateral relations between our two nations and explore new avenues for collaboration and mutual benefit.1The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including trade and investment, infrastructure development, security cooperation, and regional integration.1 Our two countries have a deep-rooted history and shared interests, and it was essential to engage in these high-level talks to address both new and persisting challenges.7During the visit, we witnessed the signing of several memoranda of understanding in areas such as public service management, education, SME development, sports, youth, trade, and investment.25 These agreements underscore our commitment to enhancing economic cooperation and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive across our borders. One key area of focus was the removal of non-tariff barriers that have continued to hamper cross-border trade between our countries.25We acknowledged the importance of addressing these constraints and reaching a conclusive position to facilitate the growth of bilateral trade.25Additionally, we discussed the need to address outstanding issues related to immigration, boundary reaffirmation, and other cross-border matters.25 The visit also provided an opportunity to revisit the recent economic unrest caused by the trade dispute over oil imports between our countries.25President Museveni and I were able to resolve this impasse, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a conducive economic environment and strengthening the trade ties between Uganda and Kenya.25

Revitalizing the East African Community

Beyond the bilateral discussions, President Museveni’s visit was a testament to our shared vision for a stronger and more integrated East African Community. The EAC, which was first established in 1967 and later revived in 2000, has long been a cornerstone of regional cooperation and development.14The EAC’s mission is to deepen political, economic, and social cooperation among its member states, with the ultimate goal of establishing a regional political federation akin to the European Union.14This ambitious agenda has guided the community’s work in areas such as civil aviation, public health policy, environmental conservation, and the coordination of various research organizations.14 The establishment of the EAC Customs Union in 2005 was a significant milestone, as it aimed to maintain common customs and excise tariffs, allow the free movement of goods, and promote mutually beneficial trade practices.14 This has been a crucial step in fostering regional economic integration and harnessing the full potential of the East African market. During our discussions, President Museveni and I reaffirmed our commitment to the EAC’s vision and the importance of widening and deepening cooperation among the partner states.15We acknowledged the progress made thus far, including the establishment of the Common Market in 2010 and the implementation of the East African Monetary Union Protocol.15

However, we also recognized that the journey towards a united East African Community still faces challenges and requires sustained political will and collective effort. The fragmentation within the region’s political landscape and the uneven implementation of past peace agreements underscore the need for continued dialogue, compromise, and a shared sense of purpose.

Strengthening the African Union

As a candidate for the African Union Commission, I am deeply grateful for President Museveni’s support and the opportunity to discuss the upcoming elections for the AU’s senior leadership positions.16

The African Union Commission is the executive branch of the continental organization, responsible for implementing the AU’s policies and programs. The election of the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, and Commissioners is a crucial process that shapes the future direction of the AU and its ability to address the pressing challenges facing the African continent.In our discussions, we highlighted the importance of the principles of regional rotation and gender parity in the election process.16These principles ensure fair representation across all regions and genders, reflecting the diversity and unity of the African continent.16 We also discussed the recent AU Institutional Reforms, which saw the reduction of the Commissioner portfolios from 8 to 6.16This streamlining emphasizes the need for competent individuals with relevant experience and leadership qualities to effectively drive the AU’s agenda.16 The pre-selection process for the AU Commission elections is overseen by a High-Level Panel of Eminent Africans, which ensures a thorough assessment and shortlisting of candidates.16This rigorous process aims to identify the most qualified individuals who can contribute to strengthening African integration, unity, and the realization of the aspirations outlined in Agenda 2063.16 As we move towards the 2025 elections, the discussions during President Museveni’s visit will pave the way for intra-regional consultations on the nomination of candidates.16This collaborative approach reflects our shared commitment to cohesion, equity, and consensus in shaping the future leadership of the African Union.16

Conclusion

​President Museveni’s state visit to Kenya has been a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to deepen the bonds between our two countries and strengthen the East African Community. The high-level discussions, the signing of new agreements, and the reaffirmation of our shared vision for regional integration have laid the groundwork for further cooperation and mutual prosperity.

As we look towards the future, the strengthening of the EAC and the African Union remain priorities for both Uganda and Kenya. By working together, we can harness the immense potential of our region and continent, addressing challenges, fostering economic growth, and empowering our citizens to thrive in a prosperous and integrated Africa.

I am grateful for President Museveni’s continued support and the opportunity to collaborate on these crucial initiatives. Through our collective efforts, I am confident that we can realize the dream of a united East African Community and a stronger, more resilient African Union that serves the interests of all Africans