KAMPALA, Uganda — Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has called for the creation of a broad East African Federation, proposing military integration of armed forces across the region.
Speaking at Mayuge State Lodge on November 20, Museveni argued the federation would strengthen regional defense and establish a “centre of gravity” for Africa.
He said the envisioned force would include troops from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. “It would be a very strong force,” he told journalists, adding that the union would boost both economic and security cooperation.
Museveni also criticised African nations’ current military weakness, saying foreign powers invade too easily because local defense structures lack unity.
He cited Libya’s recent instability and argued that without deeper integration, Africa would remain militarily vulnerable.
“Who can rescue Africa now? … Therefore, to guarantee our future, we need to look at the political integration of East Africa,” he said, framing the federation as both a security imperative and a Pan-African project.
His remarks come amid simmering regional tensions. Earlier this month, he warned of “looming war” with Kenya over access to the Indian Ocean, claiming the “ocean belongs to me” and hinting at future conflict if Ugandan access is restricted.
Museveni’s vision is not new: he has long championed East African political and economic integration, and in June 2025, he told Ugandan parliament that a federation would bring prosperity and stronger regional security.
But analysts warn that such a project faces immense hurdles. Member states have different political systems, security priorities, and economic policies. Moreover, past efforts to politically federate East Africa — first attempted in the early 1960s — have stalled.
