THE Ugandan President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has been appointed as the new chairman of the East African Community, succeeding the Kenyan President, William Ruto, whose term has ended.
The announcement was made today, March 7, 2026, during the 25th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State of the East African Community, taking place at the Arusha International Conference Centre in Arusha.
The handover of the chairmanship represents the structured leadership rotation within the East African Community, which follows a scheduled rotation system among member states.
Handing over the chairmanship, President Ruto said President Museveni would take over after he completed his one-year term leading the community.
Following the announcement, President Museveni thanked President Ruto for steering the community over the past year and pledged to continue strengthening cooperation to promote political, economic, and social development within the bloc.
Additionally, Museveni expressed gratitude to the President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, for the warm reception he received during the summit held in Arusha.
