The 20th Meeting of the Bureau of East African Community (EAC) Speakers of National Legislatures and the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) has concluded in Kampala, reaffirming the Speakers’ commitment to deepen regional integration and strengthen parliamentary cooperation.
Delivering the joint press briefing, the outgoing Chair and Speaker of the Senate of Kenya, Rt Hon Amason Jeffah Kingi, EGH, announced the handover of the Bureau Chairmanship to the Federal Republic of Somalia for the 2025–2026 term. The incoming Chair, Speaker Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur, will guide the Bureau for the next year.
Kingi emphasized that the handover symbolizes equality within the Community, adding that it sends a strong message that all partner states are equal and none can claim a monopoly over the EAC. He said that whether a country joined the Community from the beginning or recently, it is treated as an equal member.
He also assured Somalia of the full support of all partner states, acknowledging the challenges that come with the role. “We have pledged our support to the Federal Republic of Somalia as they take on the leadership for the next year. All partner states will rally behind them to ensure this year, under Somalia’s stewardship, is a success,” Kingi said.
Kingi praised Uganda’s readiness to host the Inter-Parliamentary Games (EAC Games 2025), scheduled to start on 6th December for about two weeks. He congratulated the Republic of Uganda for accepting to host the Games at very short notice, noting that the preparation required for such an event is normally enormous.
During the Bureau’s closed session, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Uganda, Thomas Tayebwa presented the country’s state of preparedness. Kingi noted that the Bureau was extremely satisfied with what Uganda had put in place to ensure a successful event. He urged all partner states to send their teams, emphasizing that the Games are not about winning or losing, but about deepening East African integration.
“The Games aim to bring East Africans closer, allowing people to get to know each other, exchange cultures, and share ways of doing things, ultimately fostering unity within the EAC,” he added.
