Museveni roots for unified East African military to address security threats
He added that a unified defence arrangement under an East African Federation would create a stronger military centre capable of deterring threats, managing strategic resources and ensuring long-term regional stability.
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has proposed the creation of an East African Federation with a unified military structure, arguing that deeper regional integration is necessary to strengthen the region’s defence capacity.
Speaking at the Mayuge State Lodge in Uganda, Museveni said the federation would bring together the armed forces of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, forming what he termed a significantly stronger force capable of guaranteeing regional security.
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According to him, a joint regional military force would ensure stronger protection, faster response to threats and improved long-term security planning.
Museveni linked the proposal to what he described as the strategic vulnerability of African countries, many of which he said have historically been unable to defend themselves against foreign intervention.
He cited the example of Libya, which he noted was invaded by foreign countries without any coordinated response from African states.
"The issue of strategic security, this is where I talked about the Indian Ocean. Even if we are together in this African community, we don't plan defence together. You find Kenya has got their own defence, Uganda has, Tanzania has,” Museveni said.
He added that a unified defence arrangement under an East African Federation would create a stronger military centre capable of deterring threats, managing strategic resources and ensuring long-term regional stability.
“The formation of the East African Federation would bring together our countries here, and it would be a very strong force, even the military," he said.
Museveni also framed the federation as a major political milestone for the region and for the black race, arguing that African countries remain too small and divided to influence global affairs or protect themselves effectively.
“It would create a centre of gravity for the black race. We have very small countries in the world, but they have a centre of gravity,” he noted.
Questioning Africa’s current ability to defend itself, Museveni asked, “Who can rescue Africa now? The other time Libya was attacked by foreigners, and we were just here looking. Therefore, in order to guarantee our future, we need to look at the political integration of East Africa.”
His remarks come at a time of heightened regional attention to security collaboration, following earlier comments in which he made controversial claims about the Indian Ocean and its strategic importance.
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