President Museveni emphasises the need for a political federation in East Africa for strategic security.
FORT PORTAL, Uganda — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has strongly reiterated the urgent need for a political federation in East Africa, describing it as an essential foundation for ensuring strategic security not only for the region, but for the entire African continent.
During a media engagement with journalists from the Tooro and Rwenzori sub-regions at the Fort Portal State Lodge, the President outlined the expanding security landscape — spanning air, sea, space, and land — and emphasised that only a united political bloc such as the proposed East African Federation can effectively counter emerging global threats against Africa.
“The security challenges we face today are multidimensional and cannot be tackled in isolation,” President Museveni stated. “They require a joint political and strategic framework. The East African Federation is not merely an economic ambition — it is a security imperative.”
President Museveni pointed to growing geopolitical competition, transnational terrorism, cyber threats, and maritime insecurity as key risks that surpass the capacity of individual nations. He argued that a federated East Africa would possess greater collective leverage, integrated defence capabilities, and a stronger voice in global security discourse.
The call for political integration aligns with long-standing regional efforts under the East African Community (EAC), which has already achieved significant milestones in economic integration, including a customs union and common market. However, political federation — the ultimate goal of the EAC’s integration roadmap — has faced delays due to differing national priorities and political will.
President Museveni’s remarks signal a renewed push from Uganda to accelerate the political federation agenda, framing it not just as a developmental objective but as a necessary shield against external vulnerabilities.
The engagement with journalists from Tooro and Rwenzori — regions that border the Democratic Republic of Congo — also underscored the relevance of regional security cooperation in addressing cross-border instability and resource-related conflicts.
Analysts note that while the vision enjoys rhetorical support across member states, tangible progress will require resolving contentious issues such as political sovereignty, leadership structure, and equitable resource sharing.
Nevertheless, President Museveni’s latest advocacy places strategic security at the centre of the federation debate, potentially reinvigorating a conversation that has stalled in recent years.
