Museveni Says Political Integration Is Key To Africa’s Security

President Museveni, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, has urged army officers to defend Africa’s future through economic and political integration.

Museveni made the call on Tuesday during a lecture of opportunity at the Senior Staff College in Kimaka, Jinja.

He criticised past African leaders, especially chiefs and kings, for failing to resist colonial conquest.

“The chiefs and kings were here glorifying themselves when their building was falling down. This strategic danger was known but neglected by kings and chiefs,” he said.

Museveni said the National Resistance Movement has, for the last 60 years, reminded Ugandans, East Africans and Africans of the historical missions needed for development.

“The first historical mission is how to ensure prosperity of our people. We have told you that one of the factors to help you prosper is economic integration of the African market. We have been struggling with it so you the young people should continue with it instead of dancing pakachini and watching European football. If we don’t integrate we shall be in problems you people,” he said.

Museveni said Africa also needs political integration to protect itself from future security threats.

“Security is the second historical mission. How can we go to the moon? We must go to the moon and find the Americans there, find the Chinese, Russians and Indians, we tell them that this also belongs to us. If you’re not going to be just a boy scout movement and be able to defend Africa, we must be able to operate on land, air, navy and in space but can Uganda have a space program? Or can we go to ocean? No, we are cut off by the irrational colonial borders. That’s why the answer there is political integration. We have been talking about the East African Integration but if Presidents want to remain big fish in the small ponds, then that issue will not be addressed.”

Museveni also said some African countries face land shortages because of population growth and underdevelopment. He said many people still depend on manual labour and agriculture.

“Land is only crucial for agriculture but in money economy, many people are in manufacturing and services, a few are in agriculture,” he said.

On conflicts in the Middle East and their effect on East Africa, Museveni said they have limited impact because Africa has enough resources. He said Africans must use those resources well.

He described sectarian politics based on tribe and religion as ideological bankruptcy.

“The politics of identity is politics of parasites,” he said.

Museveni also stressed the role of patriotism and Pan-Africanism in expanding markets for Uganda’s products.

On jobs, he said Uganda has four key sectors that can create wealth. These are commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT.

The commandant of the Senior Staff College-Kimaka, Brig Gen Michael Kabango, praised Museveni for what he called visionary and strategic leadership.

“Your presence today is a great inspiration to both the faculty and the students who are gathered here,” he said.

“The course before you sir, is intake 21-2025/2026 which commenced on 8th July 2025, and they are due to graduate on the 2nd July, 2026.”

The course has 52 students. Of these, 38 are Ugandans, while 14 come from Burundi, Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan and Tanzania.