EAC INTEGRATION! Speaker Oboth Challenges Other East Africa Sectors to Copy the Military
By Our Reporter
ARUSHA, TANZANIA — Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth has challenged other sectors in the East African Community (EAC) to emulate the region’s militaries, which he described as the most integrated sector in the bloc.
Oboth made the remarks on Friday, September 2, 2026, while in Arusha, Tanzania, where he joined fellow Speakers from EAC Partner States for the 21st EAC Bureau of Speakers Meeting.
The Speaker said the region should pursue deeper integration without seeking to erase the unique identities of member states.
“Let me be clear about what we are pursuing. We are not asking for the unification of East Africa,” Oboth said.
“Unity is when people agree to become one. Integration is when people agree to participate in common interests while keeping their unique identities. The Defence sector has already shown the way. It is ahead of everybody else,” he added.
Oboth urged other sectors within the regional bloc to follow the example of the defence sector and strengthen cooperation for the benefit of East Africans.
The East African militaries have cooperated through mechanisms including the East African Standby Force and have conducted joint military exercises over the years, making defence and security one of the more advanced areas of regional cooperation.
The Bureau meeting also discussed how national parliaments can contribute to deepening regional integration.
The Arusha meeting marked Oboth’s first engagement with the EAC Bureau of Speakers since becoming Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament in May this year.
He found a familiar face among the other newcomers — Somalia’s Speaker, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur. Both men previously served as defence ministers in their respective countries.
“We used to come to Arusha on matters of defence,” Oboth said.
“It might send the wrong signal that to become Speaker, you must first be a defence minister! But it means we go a long way back,” he joked.
Oboth said their experience in defence and security would enable them to bring valuable knowledge to the Bureau, particularly on regional security cooperation.
The Speaker also stressed the importance of national parliaments in shaping the future of the region.
“We did not choose to be East Africans; East Africa chose us,” he said, echoing the Speaker of Kenya’s National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Moses Wetang’ula.
He said the role of national parliaments in shaping the vision of their respective countries and the wider region “cannot be overemphasized.”
Oboth thanked the Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) for hosting the Bureau and the EALA Uganda Chapter for receiving him.
He also held discussions with Uganda’s EALA Members on issues affecting their work in Arusha.
UGANDA EYES EAC GAMES TROPHY
The meeting also streamlined preparations for the 16th EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games, which will be hosted in Arusha later this year.
Oboth assured the Bureau that Uganda’s Parliament will fully participate in the games, as it has done in previous editions.
He also recalled the competitive spirit surrounding the games, citing Uganda and Kenya’s rivalry.
“Dr. Wetang’ula reminded me of a fascinating story: we went to Mombasa and beat Kenya, and Kenya came to Uganda and took its revenge. That is what the Games are about!” Oboth said.
“This time, everything is up for grabs. As Uganda, we are excited, and we shall be in Arusha to bring the trophy home,” he added.
GOT A HOT STORY? LET US KNOW!
Got breaking news, explosive secrets, or hard evidence?
Email us: redpeppertips@gmail.com
We accept tips, documents, videos, photos, and recordings—the more evidence you have, the better.
CONFIDENTIALITY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY. SOURCES ARE ALWAYS PROTECTED!
About Post Author
