He made the proposal shortly after commenting on Kenya’s geopolitical situation, warning that the country could face future conflict if it does not secure reliable access to the sea.

In an interview with the media on Thursday, November 20, 2025, Museveni said that forming a single EAC military force would help build and enhance the region’s defense capabilities, thereby improving security across East Africa.

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President Museveni explained that the military federation he envisions would combine the armed forces of all EAC member states, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He stated: “I want the establishment of an East African military federation. The East African Federation would unite our countries here and would form a strong army.”

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During the interview, Museveni expressed concern about the limited military capacity of many African countries, questioning why it is so easy for foreign powers to intervene on the continent.

He cited Libya as an example, questioning how the country was invaded by foreign forces in 2011 without anyone coming to its defense. He emphasized that such events show why regional military cooperation is necessary to prevent similar situations in the future.

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He said: “Who can defend Africa today? When Libya was attacked by foreign powers, we simply watched. That is why, to safeguard our future, we must consider political integration as East Africans.”

Many regional political observers have noted that Museveni’s proposal would be extremely difficult to achieve, given the internal disagreements within the EAC and the rising tensions particularly fueled by ongoing conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo.