A new discussion about regional security has emerged after President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda pushed for stronger military cooperation among East African nations.
His proposal focuses on creating what he calls the East African Federation, a unified military force that brings together armies from several countries in the region.
Museveni shared these thoughts while speaking to the press at the Mayuge State Lodge, saying that such unity would greatly improve the region’s defence strength and offer better protection for its people.
Museveni believes that combining the military power of countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo would create a force strong enough to defend the region from any external threats.
He described this partnership as a “centre of gravity” for Africans, arguing that many nations on the continent are too small on their own to stand firmly in a world dominated by major powers.
In his view, unity would give East Africa a stronger voice and more security.
While addressing the press, Museveni also spoke about the long-standing challenge of weak military capacity in many African countries. He questioned why Africa has been vulnerable to foreign interference for decades.
He used the example of Libya, which was attacked by foreign forces without a strong response from the rest of the continent. To him, this was proof that African countries need to work together if they want to avoid similar situations in the future.
He insisted that political and military cooperation is not just helpful but necessary for long-term stability.
His remarks, however, come at a time when tensions in the region have been rising, partly because of some of his recent statements. Earlier this month, Museveni made headlines after warning that Uganda and Kenya could face war if Uganda continued to face difficulties accessing the Indian Ocean. He argued that landlocked countries suffer disadvantages not only economically but also in matters of defence.
According to him, a lack of direct access to the sea limits a nation’s ability to trade and protect itself.
Museveni said that Uganda has held many discussions with Kenya about access routes, including talks on both the railway and the pipeline, but he expressed frustration that these issues keep resurfacing. In a bold remark, he claimed ownership over the Indian Ocean, saying that in the future, conflicts could arise if the matter is not addressed.
These comments sparked concern, especially because they came at a time when the region is trying to build stronger bonds rather than disagreements.
Despite the tension caused by his earlier remarks, Museveni’s new call for a united regional military force suggests that he sees cooperation as the best path forward.
