Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has proposed the creation of the East African Federation, a unified military cooperation initiative aimed at significantly strengthening regional defence.

Speaking during a radio talk show on national issues at Mayuge State Lodge in Uganda, President Museveni, who recently made controversial sentiments claiming that the Indian Ocean belongs to him, said the move would bolster the region’s defence capabilities, assuring its safety and ability to respond to security threats.

He explained that the proposed federation would integrate the armed forces of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), creating a stronger force.

“…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,” Museveni said.

“The formation of the East African Federation would bring together our countries here and it would be a very strong force, even the military.”

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The Head of State also raised concerns over the weak military capacity of many African nations, noting how foreign countries have historically invaded African states with ease.

He questioned how, for instance, Libya was invaded by a foreign country without any intervention from other African nations, stressing that regional military cooperation is crucial to prevent such incidents.

“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 comments come as regional leaders continue to push for deeper integration within the East African Community (EAC).

A statement from the Office of Prime Cabinet Secretary (OPCS) on Friday, November 21, confirmed that Musalia Mudavadi had met Museveni the same day to discuss the expanding cooperation within the EAC.

“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 stated.

Mudavadi was accompanied by Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Joash Maangi, alongside other officials.

“Dr. Mudavadi reaffirmed that President William Ruto and President Museveni will continue building bridges that benefit the citizens of both nations,” the statement adde.

President Museveni’s remarks follow his controversial comments on November 8, when he threatened war against Kenya, claiming the Indian Ocean belonged to him.

“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.