Days ago, I served as the Master of Ceremonies at an event where a donor-funded project was closing, and the discussion centred on sustainability. During the event, several speakers spoke about the idea of protecting the gains. This prompted me to read the NRM Manifesto to gain a deeper understanding of ‘protecting the gains.’
I will start with the last promise-Regional Integration and Political Federation. I believe this manifesto points us in the right direction for East Africa and Africa as a whole. In this promise, the party makes five additional sub-promises: supporting the implementation of activities leading to the East African Community (EAC) Political Federation; establishing a single EAC currency; eliminating all non-tariff barriers; promoting the use of Kiswahili across the country; and increasing trade with other African nations. Reading this promise reminded me of the President’s consistent calls for a centre of gravity. He has been emphasising that Africa needs this centre of gravity.
This call for the centre of gravity refers to what is known in academia as the Hegemonic Stability Theory. The theory proposes that the international system is more stable when a single state leads and provides guidance, encouraging cooperation and order among other states. A regional hegemon (e.g., South Africa in Southern African Development Community (SADC), Nigeria in Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Germany in the European Union (EU) may provide public goods such as security guarantees, financial resources, or institutional leadership, thereby reducing transaction costs and incentivising smaller states to participate in collective schemes. They shape strategic interests while fostering stability.
In East Africa, Kenya’s economic vitality and strategic position make it a key driver of regional integration, fostering trade, infrastructure projects, and institutional reforms. Meanwhile, Uganda has significantly contributed to peace efforts in South Sudan, DRC, Burundi, and Somalia, among others. However, contrary to the theory’s assumption of a single hegemon, African experiences reveal coalition-based hegemony, where legitimacy, regional consent, and balancing dynamics are vital for maintaining stability and cooperation. Since no single state in East Africa holds complete economic, military, or political dominance, the region can benefit from what we call cooperative hegemony, implemented through collaborative arrangements grounded in long-term planning.
When travelling from Uganda to any neighbouring country, you must exchange money into the local currency, which often results in losses. Sometimes, you need to convert to the dollar first, then to the destination country’s currency. Travel itself presents another challenge, as does trade among ourselves. Language barriers add to these difficulties. The solution lies in regional integration. A well-functioning African free market would resolve these issues.
Imagine a country with 331 million people, covering 5.4 million square kilometres, and a combined Gross Domestic Product of $312.9 billion. Consider its strategic and geopolitical importance. Envision the market it offers and the shared resources derived from such a vast area. Regional integration within the EAC offers Ugandans significant opportunities for economic growth, political stability, and social development.
By strengthening cooperation with neighbouring states, Uganda can benefit from expanded trade networks, shared infrastructure projects such as transport corridors and energy grids, and collective approaches to peace and security. Integration also encourages policy harmonisation, reduces barriers to movement and commerce, and creates a larger regional market that enhances competitiveness and investment. For Ugandans, embracing EAC integration means not only greater access to jobs, markets, and innovation but also a stronger collective voice in global affairs, ensuring that the region’s interests are better represented and protected.