speaking to army officers during a lecture of opportunity at the Senior Staff College-Kimaka in JinjaPresident Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has urged African countries to pursue deeper political integration, warning that the continent could struggle to address future security and development challenges if it remains fragmented.
Speaking to army officers during a lecture of opportunity at the Senior Staff College-Kimaka in Jinja, President Museveni reflected on Africa’s colonial history, faulting some past leaders for failing to recognize looming dangers.
“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 told the officers that for the past six decades, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has consistently advocated for historical missions aimed at transforming Uganda, East Africa and Africa as a whole.
He emphasized economic integration as a key driver of prosperity, encouraging young people to champion the cause.
“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,” Museveni noted.
Turning to security, Museveni argued that Africa’s future strength will depend on political unity, saying individual countries may not have the capacity to compete globally in areas such as space and maritime security.
“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. 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,” he said.
The President also noted that land pressure in some African countries is largely a result of underdevelopment, arguing that modern economies rely more on manufacturing and services than agriculture.
On global conflicts, including tensions in the Middle East, Museveni said Africa is less vulnerable because of its vast natural resources, provided they are properly utilized.
He also dismissed politics based on tribe or religion, describing it as ideological weakness.
“The politics of identity is politics of parasites,” Museveni stated.
Museveni further highlighted patriotism and Pan-Africanism as important pillars for expanding markets and supporting economic growth. He noted that wealth and jobs in Uganda continue to be generated through commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT.
The Senior Staff College-Kimaka Commandant, Brig Gen Michael Kabango praised Museveni’s leadership.
“Your presence today is a great inspiration to both the faculty and the students who are gathered here,” he said.
The current intake comprises 52 students, including 38 Ugandans and 14 officers from Burundi, Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan and Tanzania.
