Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Thursday, November 21, 2025, clarified recent ⁣remarks regarding access to the Indian Ocean, stating they were misinterpreted and not ⁤intended as ⁣a sign of hostility‍ towards Kenya or⁤ any other member of the East African⁤ Community (EAC). The⁤ clarification followed a growing⁣ debate in Kenya sparked by earlier comments made by Museveni.

Museveni explained that⁣ his statements were part of a broader discussion on regional security and the need for increased political and​ military integration within the EAC. He emphasized the importance of a ⁤unified approach to⁣ maximize the region’s⁢ potential and address perceived weaknesses exploited by global powers.

During an interview with the Ugandan national broadcaster​ on November 20, 2025, ⁢Museveni articulated a vision for⁤ a stronger, ⁣more unified East Africa. He ⁤stated, “Even militarily. It will create a center of gravity for the black race,” as reported by Watchdog Uganda. This statement underscores his belief that regional integration is vital not onyl for economic and security reasons but also for bolstering the influence of african⁢ nations on the‌ global stage.

The Ugandan president described the push for integration as a necessary step to overcome⁣ the limitations faced by individual countries with‍ limited resources.He views disunity as a key factor contributing to the perception of weakness that allows external powers to exert undue influence over the⁢ continent.

Background: The East African Community

The East african Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental association of seven partner ⁣states: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South⁣ Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. ⁣ The EAC’s objectives include widening and deepening cooperation ‌among the partner states in political, economic, social and defense matters. Learn ‌more ‍about ⁤the EAC.