President Yoweri Museveni has renewed debate over regional unity after urging East African countries to form a shared military command, saying the bloc cannot protect itself while each nation handles security on its own.
He made the appeal during a radio show at Mayuge State Lodge, where he spoke at length about defence gaps and the need for stronger cooperation among neighbouring states.
Museveni said the region must adopt a common approach to security, arguing that separate defence systems leave countries exposed and unable to respond quickly to large-scale threats.
He said East Africa should think beyond national borders and build a joint structure that reflects its shared future.
“…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," he said.
According to him, the goal is to bring together the armies of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) under one umbrella.
“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 added.
Museveni said Africa’s history shows how easily foreign nations have interfered in the continent, pointing out that African countries often watch conflicts unfold without any coordinated response.
He argued that such moments should push leaders to rethink how the region prepares for future threats.
“Who can rescue Africa now? Who can? 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 issue of the political integration of West Africa,” he said.
“It would create a center of gravity for the black race. You can have smaller countries in the world, but they normally have a center of gravity.”
His remarks came on the same day Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi met him in Uganda to review progress on ongoing EAC integration efforts.
A statement released by the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary on Friday, November 21, said Kenya supports deeper political and economic ties within the region.
“Kenya affirms its commitment to the East African Community jumuiya ideology of fostering strong regional integration that champions for a politically united, prosperous, and secure East Africa through economic, social, and political cooperation,” the OPCS noted.
Mudavadi, who was joined by Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda Joash Maangi and other officials, also assured Uganda that joint programmes between the two countries will continue.
“Dr. Mudavadi reaffirmed that President William Ruto and President Museveni will continue building bridges that benefit the citizens of both nations,” the statement added.
Museveni’s call for a united military comes weeks after his remarks on November 8, when he stirred public debate by claiming ownership of the Indian Ocean and suggesting that future clashes could arise.
“The Indian Ocean is mine. That ocean belongs to me. I am entitled to that ocean. In the future, we may have wars," he said.
