Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga: A Trailblazer at the Helm of the EAC Council of Ministers

By Bishop Samuel

Arusha, Tanzania – March 7, 2026. At the 25th Ordinary Summit of the East African Community (EAC) Heads of State, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for EAC Affairs, was appointed Chairperson of the Council of Ministers. This milestone is not only a recognition of her distinguished leadership in Uganda but also a testament to her unwavering commitment to regional integration and governance.

Kadaga, who also serves as the Woman Representative for Kamuli District in Uganda’s Parliament, has long been celebrated as a formidable leader, a voice of integrity, and a champion of inclusive development. Over the years, she has actively participated in numerous Council of Ministers meetings, consistently representing Uganda’s interests with clarity and conviction. Her interventions have often emphasized fairness in resource allocation, the importance of institutional reforms, and the need for stronger cooperation among member states. These contributions have earned her respect across the region and positioned her as a trusted figure in EAC decision-making.

Uganda was handed the rotating presidency of the EAC during the Summit, a responsibility that perfectly complements Kadaga’s appointment. With her at the helm, the Council is expected to drive forward the reforms agreed upon in Arusha:

• Budget Contributions: The Summit resolved that member states will now share the budget more equitably, half contributed equally, and the other half determined by the strength of each country’s economy. This formula reflects Kadaga’s consistent call for fairness and sustainability in governance, a principle she has championed in past Council deliberations.
• Decision-Making: While consensus will remain the guiding principle, the Council can now pass certain resolutions with a qualified majority of 60 percent. Kadaga’s long experience in parliamentary diplomacy equips her to manage this shift with balance and inclusivity, building on her years of participation in Council debates where she advocated for practical, consensus-driven solutions.
• Institutional Costs: To ease financial pressures, national parliaments will take responsibility for paying the salaries of their EAC representatives. Kadaga’s pragmatic approach ensures that such measures strengthen, rather than weaken, the institution, an approach she has consistently advanced in her contributions to Council discussions.

Her appointment comes at a time when the EAC is embracing reforms designed to reinforce governance and accelerate integration. The Heads of State chose a leader whose career has been defined by resilience, vision, and a deep commitment to both Uganda and the wider region. Kadaga’s ability to balance national priorities with regional aspirations makes her the right person to guide the Council of Ministers through the tasks ahead.

Beyond her official titles, Kadaga is admired for her ability to inspire trust and unity. She has consistently elevated Uganda’s voice in regional and international forums, and her tenure promises to bring renewed energy to the EAC’s mission. As the Summit also announced the appointment of Mr. Stephen P. Mbundi as Secretary General of the EAC and two new judges to the EAC Court of Justice, Kadaga’s leadership will be pivotal in harmonizing these institutional changes with the broader vision of integration.

Her journey, from Kamuli District to the pinnacle of regional leadership, reminds East Africa that dedication, integrity, and service can shape the destiny of nations. With Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga at the helm, the Council of Ministers is poised to navigate challenges with strength and deliver progress with purpose.

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