President Museveni Reignites Debate on East African Federation, Advocating Unified Governance
President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda has sparked renewed discussion about the consolidation of East African nations into a federation, underscoring the crucial need for improved relations among regional countries.
Speaking from State House Nairobi, Museveni stressed the importance of strategic security amidst a progressively uncertain geopolitical environment.
Reflecting on past missed opportunities, Museveni lamented the failure to establish the East African Federation back in 1963, suggesting that decades of advancement have been lost as a result.
Museveni remarked that many current issues could have been avoided if the East Africa Federation had been formed in 1963, pointing to events such as Idi Amin Dada’s rule in Uganda and the Rwandan genocide.
Advocating for a unified approach, Museveni asserted the goal of establishing a single East African government.
As the longest-serving President among East African Community (EAC) Heads of State, Museveni emphasized the EAC’s need to achieve its objective of forming a unified sovereign state, arguing that such consolidation is vital for the region’s protection and prosperity.
Many see the push to merge East African states, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania, as a personal project of Museveni’s.
Museveni emphasized the interconnectedness of economic and political integration, asserting that political integration is necessary for addressing security concerns and achieving economic prosperity.
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Last year, Kenya began internal discussions on the East African political federation, signaling a renewed interest in the project supported by leaders like President Museveni.
In a new development, the then East African Community Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Miano, revealed plans for a confederation as a step towards full federation.
The proposal aims to strengthen the authority of the federal government over member states, with presidents taking on roles similar to Kenya’s County Governors.
However, doubts remain about the feasibility and motives behind the federation, with concerns raised about President Museveni’s perceived desire to lead post-retirement.
To ease cross-border tensions, Museveni called for reconciliation among communities along the Kenya-Uganda border, urging them to prioritize shared prosperity over differences.
President Museveni Reignites Debate on East African Federation, Advocating Unified Governance