By KPC Reporter
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) has officially received the proposed East African Community (EAC) budget for the 2026/2027 financial year, marking a significant step in the region’s integration agenda.
The budget, tabled virtually by the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers, Rebecca Kadaga, amounts to USD 110,863,576, with an additional supplementary budget of USD 4,794,593 for the 2025/2026 financial year.
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The Assembly adopted the estimates and referred them to the General-Purpose Committee for scrutiny before final deliberations later this month.
Kadaga emphasized the importance of the allocations, noting that they reflect “a strong commitment to sustaining the operations and programmes of the Community’s Organs and Institutions.”
The breakdown includes USD 59.7 million for the EAC Secretariat, USD 19.2 million for EALA itself, USD 9.3 million for the Inter-University Council for East Africa, and USD 7 million for the Lake Victoria Basin Commission, among others.
The East African Court of Justice will receive USD 5 million, while specialized commissions such as the East Africa Kiswahili Commission and the East Africa Health Research Commission are allocated USD 1.6 million and USD 2.3 million respectively.
Funding will be drawn primarily from Partner States’ contributions totaling USD 62.77 million, complemented by USD 46.10 million from Development Partners, alongside institutional reserves and other income streams.
This financing mix underscores both regional ownership and international support for the EAC’s integration efforts.
The supplementary budget for FY 2025/2026 is designed to address urgent priorities, including pandemic preparedness, sexual and reproductive health programmes, governance and peace-building, ICT infrastructure, and climate resilience projects in the Lake Victoria Basin.
“These funds will ensure continuity and effectiveness in the implementation of critical programmes and projects,” the Council noted in its submission.
Anchored in the EAC Appropriation Act, 2026 and the Supplementary Appropriation Act, 2026, the budgets provide the legal framework for financing Community activities.
The Assembly adjourned to allow the General-Purpose Committee to scrutinize the proposals and report back before June 30.
In addition to budgetary matters, the Assembly approved new appointments to standing committees following recent vacancies.
Paul Musamali and Gai Deng were reassigned to the Committee on General Purpose, while Sadia James joined the Committee on Accounts. The Assembly also witnessed the swearing-in of Amb. Patrick Bundi, the new Secretary General of the EAC, as an Ex-Officio member of EALA.
New members from the United Republic of Tanzania— Fatuma Abdallah Kange, Cosato David Chumi, and Kambarage Masato Wasira—took their oaths of allegiance, replacing colleagues elected to the Tanzania National Parliament.
“This transition reflects the dynamic nature of regional representation and the continued strengthening of EALA’s institutional capacity,” Speaker Joseph Ntakirutimana remarked during the session.
Overall, the FY 2026/2027 budget and supplementary allocation highlight the EAC’s determination to deepen regional integration, strengthen institutions, and address both immediate challenges and long-term development goals.
