Yoweri Museveni Revives Push for Unified East African Military Bloc
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has called for the creation of a far-reaching East African Federation, arguing that enhanced military integration across the region is essential to safeguarding the continent’s security and geopolitical future.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, November 20, at the Mayuge State Lodge, Museveni said the proposed federation would merge the military capabilities of East and Central African states, including Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Museveni insisted that such a bloc would dramatically strengthen the region’s defence posture.
“I want the formation of the East African Federation,” he said. “The Federation of East Africa would bring together our countries here and would be a very strong force.”
Expanding on his reasoning, the Ugandan leader argued that consolidated military power would provide what he described as a strategic “centre of gravity” for African nations.
“It would create a centre of gravity for the black race,” he said. “We have very small countries in the world, but they have a centre of gravity.”
Museveni also used the press conference to express frustration over what he characterised as Africa’s historical vulnerability to foreign intervention. He questioned how major global powers had been able to carry out military operations on the continent with limited resistance from African states.
“Who can rescue Africa now?” he asked. “The other time Libya was attacked by foreigners, and we were just here looking. Therefore, to guarantee our future, we need to look at the political integration of East Africa.”
The remarks come at a time of heightened political tension in the region, following Museveni’s controversial comments earlier this month in which he issued an unusual warning about a potential conflict with Kenya over access to the Indian Ocean.
On November 8, the Ugandan president suggested that landlocked nations face strategic disadvantages both economically and militarily, and hinted that disputes over sea access could escalate.
“Some of the countries have no access to the sea, not only for economic purposes but also for defence purposes. You are stuck. How do I export my products?” he said.
He went further, claiming ownership over access rights to the Indian Ocean and expressing frustration over ongoing bilateral transport negotiations.
“That ocean belongs to me. Because it is my ocean. I am entitled to that ocean,” Museveni declared. “In the future, we are going to have wars.”
Museveni’s renewed push for regional military integration is therefore likely to be viewed within the context of these recent statements, leaving analysts to question whether the proposal reflects long-standing Pan-African ambitions or rising strategic anxiety within Kampala.
Also Read: Gachagua Reveals What Mbeere North Residents Told Him Ahead of November 27 By-Election
Yoweri Museveni Revives Push for Unified East African Military Bloc