President Yoweri Museveni has clarified his recent comments about Uganda needing access to the Indian Ocean, saying his words were misunderstood and were never meant to show hostility towards Kenya or any other East African Community (EAC) country.
Speaking to journalists in Mayuge, Museveni explained that his remarks were about long-term regional security, not conflict. He said that while Uganda and Kenya enjoy strong economic ties, the region still lacks a united defense system.
“How can I be hostile when I am promoting economic integration with Kenya?” he asked. Museveni explained that his reference to the Indian Ocean was meant to highlight the challenges landlocked countries face when planning for future security needs.
He added that Africa’s fragmented military systems make the continent weak, especially at a time when global powers are advancing rapidly in technology, even operating space programs.
“As we talk, some people in the world are on the moon, looking at us like insects,” he said.
Museveni noted that although the EAC has made progress through the customs union and common market, each country still plans its own defense.
“Kenya has its own defense, Tanzania has theirs, Uganda has ours,” he said, adding that coastal countries also face financial limitations.
To solve this, Museveni called for a political federation that would unite East African countries under one military command. He said economic integration alone is not enough because it does not guarantee security.
“You can be rich but still vulnerable,” he said.
The president believes that a united East African Federation would strengthen the region’s bargaining power, improve defense, and allow countries to pool their resources.
“The Federation of East Africa would make us a strong force, even militarily. It would create a center of gravity for the black race,” he added.
Museveni emphasized that unity is key for Africa to reach its full potential, arguing that disunity is what makes global powers see the continent as weak.
