Museveni Proposes Military Union Involving Kenya After Meeting With Mudavadi
Museveni argued that such a move would boost regional defence strength and enhance collective security.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has sparked debate after pushing for the establishment of an East African Federation — a joint military framework for countries across the region.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, November 20, at the Mayuge State Lodge, Museveni argued that such a move would boost regional defence strength and enhance collective security.
He said the proposed Federation would unite the armed forces of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
"I want the formation of the East African Federation. The Federation of East Africa would bring together our countries here and would be a very strong force," Museveni stated.
A photo of AMISOM military soldiers. /AMISOM
Adding "It would create a centre of gravity for the black race. We have very small countries in the world, but they have a centre of gravity."
During the briefing, Museveni also lamented the limited military capacity of many African states, questioning why outside powers have historically been able to attack the continent so easily.
He cited Libya as an example, saying African countries failed to intervene when it was attacked by a foreign nation, stressing that stronger regional military collaboration is necessary to stop similar situations.
"Who can rescue Africa now? 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," Museveni insisted.
On the same day, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi met Museveni at the same lodge in Uganda. A statement from the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary (OPCS) on Friday, November 21, said their talks centred on deepening cooperation within the East African Community (EAC).
Mudavadi was joined by Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Joash Maangi, along with other officials.
“Kenya affirms its commitment to the East African Community ideology of fostering strong regional integration that champions for a politically united, prosperous, and secure East Africa through economic, social, and political cooperation.
“This formed part of the discussions between H.E. President Kaguta Museveni and the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, during the recent visit to State Lodge Mayuge in Uganda,” the statement read.
Museveni and Mudavadi also explored Kenya–Uganda bilateral ties. According to OPCS, Mudavadi reaffirmed that President Ruto and President Museveni remain committed to strengthening partnerships that benefit citizens in both nations.
These developments came at a tense moment in the region, following Museveni’s earlier comments where he appeared to threaten conflict with Kenya. On November 8, he warned of potential clashes between the two countries if Uganda continued to struggle for access to the Indian Ocean, insisting the ocean was his.
"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?" Museveni asked.
"That is why we have had endless discussions with Kenya. This one stops, another comes. The railway and the pipeline – we discuss. But that ocean belongs to me. Because it is my ocean. I am entitled to that ocean. In the future, we are going to have wars," he added.
Kenya, however, brushed off the remarks. On November 12, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei told reporters that the country trusts Museveni understands sovereignty, borders, and ownership of natural resources.
