COMPLETED · 23–24 JULY 2026
3RD ANNUAL EAST AFRICAN GUILD LEADERS’ SUMMIT
Youth Leadership, Production, and Regional Integration: Building a Competitive East Africa in a Changing Global Order
#TheGuildLeadersSummit2026 · #GPLASummit
ABOUT THE SUMMIT
The 3rd Annual East African Guild Leaders’ Summit convened about 1,500 university student leaders, government leaders, university leaders, development partners, private sector actors and youth representatives from across East Africa at Makerere University, Kampala, on 23–24 July 2026.
Chief Guest H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda and Chairperson of the EAC, delivered a keynote address on youth leadership and the role of young people in building a competitive, integrated East Africa.
A key outcome of the Summit is the Makerere Declaration and Youth Compact 2026, which sets out a shared agenda for youth-led regional integration, institutionalising the annual Summit, and creating formal linkages with East African Community structures.
Date
23rd – 24th July 2026
Venue
Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala
Chief Guest
H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
President of the Republic of Uganda & Chairperson of the EAC
Partners
Participants
East African countries
Universities represented
Plenary sessions
“Youth Leadership, Production, and Regional Integration: Building a Competitive East Africa in a Changing Global Order”
Summit Theme · Makerere University, July 2026
FOCUS AREAS
Political and Economic Integration
Youth, Production and Industrial Transformation
Regional Markets, Trade and Economic Opportunities
Sports Diplomacy and Regional Integration (AFCON 2027)
Technology, Innovation and the Digital Economy
Education, Mobility and Knowledge Integration
KEY OUTCOMES
From the Makerere Declaration and Youth Compact 2026 — outcomes adopted by Summit participants.
Institutionalise the East African Guild Leaders’ Summit as an annual regional youth leadership convening.
Establish a permanent GPLA / EAGLS Secretariat to coordinate Summit planning and follow-up across partner states.
Strengthen formal linkage with EAC structures to embed youth voice in regional integration policy.
Rotate the Summit annually across East African Community Partner States.
Create an East African Young Leaders Integration Fund to resource student-led regional projects.
3RD ANNUAL EAST AFRICAN GUILD LEADERS SUMMIT REPORT 2026
The full summit report including proceedings, resolutions, the Makerere Declaration, participant demographics, and photo gallery.
3RD ANNUAL EAST AFRICAN GUILD LEADERS SUMMIT REPORT 2026
PDF Document · 4.8 MB · 54 pages · Makerere University, 23–24 July 2026
PARTNER WITH US
Align your organisation with East Africa’s premier youth leadership platform. Future Summits will convene heads of state, regional institutions, and student leaders from across the EAC.
- ✓ Brand visibility across East African countries
- ✓ Direct access to emerging youth leaders
- ✓ Co-branding on Summit materials and reports
- ✓ Panel and speaking opportunities