Politics 26 June 2026 Nile Post
EALA Aspirant Tendo Urges Museveni's New Term to Accelerate Regional Integration
East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) aspirant Dr. Kisembo Tendo believes President Museveni's recent re-election provides a crucial opportunity to fast-track East African integration, emphasizing its importance for regional prosperity and competitiveness. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/351736/eala-aspirant-tendo-says-musevenis-new-term-should-fast-track-east-african-integration
Dr. Kisembo Tendo, a candidate for the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), has expressed optimism that President Yoweri Museveni’s renewed term in office will inject vital momentum into the East African Community (EAC) integration process. He views regional unity as paramount for the long-term prosperity and global competitiveness of East African nations.
Tendo congratulated President Museveni on his re-election, asserting that Uganda is at a stage where leadership should pivot towards strengthening EAC cooperation alongside national development agendas. He highlighted that current global economic and geopolitical challenges necessitate a deeper commitment to integration for sustainable growth.
Key priorities identified by Tendo include the completion of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) network, envisioned as a transformational project for regional trade and transport, linking Uganda with neighboring countries like Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Furthermore, he strongly advocated for the removal of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) that continue to impede the free movement of goods and services within the EAC. Tendo also called for harmonized telecommunications policies to reduce cross-border roaming charges and a unified regional airspace to foster tourism and trade.
The aspirant welcomed the growing adoption of Kiswahili, recognizing it as a strategic tool for fostering a shared East African identity and strengthening socio-economic ties. He emphasized that genuine integration must translate into tangible benefits for citizens, such as job creation and industrial development.
Tendo urged East African countries to move beyond raw material exports by investing in manufacturing, agro-processing, and technology sectors to create employment for the region’s youth. He also acknowledged recent EAC reforms aimed at improving funding mechanisms and eliminating NTBs as positive steps.
With aspirations to represent Uganda in EALA, Dr. Tendo is committed to advancing the regional integration agenda while safeguarding Uganda’s national interests within the EAC framework.