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During his speech, President Museveni underscored the importance of unity in expanding regional markets and overcoming divisive politics of identity
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Kampala - President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged East African nations to embrace regional integration in education, trade, and governance as a pathway to prosperity, security, and transformation.
The President, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 officially opened the 1st Regional Ministerial Conference on the East African Community Common Higher Education Area (EACCHEA) at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
Representatives from different countries at the event
In his remarks, Museveni underscored the importance of unity in expanding regional markets and overcoming divisive politics of identity. “Integration is the best road to our prosperity, security, and transformation. Our education systems must equip citizens to thrive in regional markets, promoting socio-economic transformation. A prosperous East Africa is achievable when we stand together and work tirelessly for our shared future,” the President said. The conference is being held under the theme: “Enhancing Regional Integration through Harmonized Higher Education Systems for Sustainable Development in East Africa.”
EAC commitment to integration
Prof. Mary J.N. Okwakol, Chairperson of the Organising Committee, reaffirmed the EAC’s commitment to building a coherent and competitive education space.
“In 2017, Heads of State of the East African Community declared the region a Common Higher Education Area. This was a commitment that higher education in partner states would be recognized across the entire region,” Prof. Okwakol said. She emphasized that the time had come for partner states to take decisive action to operationalize the vision.
First Lady’s Call for Action
In her keynote address, Hon. Janet Museveni highlighted the historical significance of the 2017 declaration of the EAC as a Common Higher Education Area, noting that this was the first ministerial-level review conference to assess progress since then.
She stressed that the conference must evaluate whether CHEA had made EAC education competitive, attractive, and transformative, not only for students and academics but also for the private sector and governments.
“Ministers of Education are not only policymakers but stewards of a shared vision for socio-economic transformation,” she said.
President Museveni arrives at the event with first lady
Mrs. Museveni noted that CHEA should go beyond academia by addressing societal challenges and aligning education with grassroots initiatives such as Uganda’s Parish Development Model. She urged universities to shed the “ivory tower” image and embrace a practical, community-driven approach that empowers graduates to create local solutions.
Regional Relevance
The First Lady emphasized that challenges in East Africa are cross-border in nature, requiring regional responses through CHEA.
A functional CHEA, she said, will:
Reaffirming Uganda’s commitment to the CHEA, she expressed hope that the conference would produce bold commitments and actionable resolutions to shape the future of higher education in the region.
She closed with an inspirational call to unity, quoting former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere: “Unity will not make us rich, but it can make it difficult for Africa and the African peoples to be disregarded and humiliated.”
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