UGANDAN President Yoweri Museveni Has Proposed The Formation Of An East African Federation, Aimed At Uniting The Military Forces Of The Region To Strengthen Defense Capabilities And Safeguard The Member States. Speaking At A Press Conference On November 20 At Mayuge State Lodge, Museveni Emphasized The Strategic Importance Of Coordinated Regional Security.
The Proposed Federation Would Bring Together Armed Forces From Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, And The Democratic Republic Of Congo (DRC). Museveni Described It As A “Very Strong Force” That Would Serve As A Center Of Power And Influence For The African Continent.
He Highlighted The Current Weakness Of Many African Militaries, Pointing Out How Foreign Powers Have Historically Intervened In Africa With Ease. Museveni Cited The 2011 Foreign Intervention In Libya As An Example, Questioning Why Other African Nations Did Not Act To Protect The Country And Stressing The Need For Collective Defense In The Region.
The Proposal Comes Amid Escalating Tensions In East Africa, Including Recent Disputes With Kenya Over Access To The Indian Ocean. Museveni Warned That Ongoing Disagreements Could Lead To Future Conflicts, Emphasizing That Countries Without Direct Access To The Sea Face Significant Economic And Defense Challenges.
Despite The Contentious Context, Museveni Framed The Federation As Essential For Regional Political And Military Integration, Asserting That East African Nations Must Cooperate To Guarantee Security And Protect Their Interests. Analysts Say Such A Move, If Implemented, Could Reshape Regional Geopolitics And Military Alliances.