EAC CRISIS IS NOT FINANCIAL BUT A LEADERSHIP ISSUE – GEORGE ODONGO
By Joseph Ngilisho | Arusha
East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament George Odongo has challenged the long-held perception that the East African Community (EAC) is facing a financial crisis, arguing instead that the bloc’s persistent challenges stem largely from a crisis of leadership, political commitment, and institutional accountability among member states.
Speaking during the ongoing debate on the EAC budget in Arusha, Odongo said discussions surrounding inadequate funding have dominated parliamentary sessions for years, yet little attention has been given to the deeper governance and leadership deficiencies that continue to undermine the regional integration agenda.
According to him, the recurring budgetary constraints experienced by the Community are merely symptoms of a broader leadership problem, reflected in poor financial management, weak human resource systems, and the inability of institutions to effectively implement agreed regional programmes.
“For many years, we have continued to discuss the issue of inadequate funding as if it is the primary challenge facing the Community. However, the real problem lies in leadership. What we call a financial crisis is actually a manifestation of a leadership crisis,” Odongo told the Assembly.
He emphasized that leadership is ultimately responsible for shaping priorities, mobilizing resources, and ensuring that regional commitments are translated into action. Without strong political will from partner states, he argued, even the most sophisticated financial reforms would fail to deliver meaningful results.
Odongo noted that several proposals have been advanced over the years to reform the EAC contribution formula, including suggestions that member states contribute according to the size and strength of their respective economies. While acknowledging the potential benefits of such reforms, he warned that changing the funding formula alone would not solve the Community’s problems if political leaders remain reluctant to honour their obligations.
“Even if we adopt a new contribution formula tomorrow, it will not solve the problem unless there is genuine commitment from our leaders. The issue is not merely about how much countries are required to contribute, but whether they are willing to fulfill those obligations consistently and on time,” he said.
The legislator further pointed out that commitment to regional integration varies significantly among member states. He cited Burundi as an example of a country that has continued to meet its obligations despite facing serious economic challenges, demonstrating that dedication to the regional agenda is not necessarily determined by economic strength alone.
At the same time, he expressed concern over member states that have accumulated arrears or gone for extended periods without contributing to the Community’s budget, arguing that such actions weaken EAC institutions and delay the implementation of critical programmes and projects.
Odongo warned that unless member states develop a common understanding of the strategic importance of regional integration, the Community will continue to struggle with recurring financial shortfalls, institutional inefficiencies, and delayed implementation of key initiatives.
He stressed that regional integration remains one of the most effective tools for addressing shared challenges facing East African countries, including trade barriers, unemployment, infrastructure gaps, insecurity, and economic vulnerability in an increasingly competitive global environment.
“The future of East Africa depends on our ability to think and act collectively. Regional integration is not a luxury; it is a necessity. We must build a convergence of ideas, a shared vision, and a common understanding of where we want this Community to go,” he stated.
Odongo urged the EAC Heads of State Summit to take a more active role in resolving emerging differences among partner states and to provide clear political direction for the bloc. He said stronger leadership at the highest level is essential if the Community is to achieve its ambitions of deeper economic integration, enhanced trade cooperation, and sustainable development.
He concluded by calling for renewed political commitment, stronger institutional governance, and greater accountability among member states, insisting that the success of the East African Community will ultimately depend not on the availability of financial resources alone, but on the quality of leadership guiding the integration process.
Ends
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