Museveni Urges East African Unity Through Economic Integration and Kiswahili Adoption

Nairobi, Kenya — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni delivered a thought-provoking lecture to 72 students of the Kenya National Defence College, stressing the urgent need for economic integration, strategic security, and pan-African unity as the pillars of Africa’s shared future.

Addressing the cohort in his capacity as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), President Museveni highlighted the critical link between production, market access, and prosperity.

“The key to Africa’s prosperity lies in producing more goods and services—but we must also consider who buys them,” he said, underscoring that sustainable development hinges not just on output, but also on intra-African trade and consumption.

He explained that East African nations often produce similar goods, limiting opportunities for internal trade. Therefore, cross-border collaboration and market expansion are essential.

“We all need each other to prosper,” Museveni said. “Love Uganda because you need it. Love Kenya because you need it. Love Africa because you need it.”

The President framed economic cooperation as a strategic imperative, linking integration with peace and security. He called for a united East Africa where interdependence bolsters stability and resilience in the face of global uncertainty.

Museveni also championed Swahili as a tool of regional cohesion, urging its adoption to strengthen cultural and political bonds. “By embracing Swahili, we can create a strong unity in East Africa,” he stated.

Reflecting on the ideological foundation of pan-Africanism, the President emphasised the importance of shared identity and purpose. He advocated for a “centre of gravity” for Africa—rooted in the spirit of undugu (brotherhood)—to unify the continent and unlock its potential.

“There is a pressing need for economic integration for Africa to prosper,” Museveni said, reaffirming that East African countries must build together to rise together.

Among those in attendance were Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Hon. Soipan Tuya; Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs, Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Hon. Patrick Mariru; and the Commandant of the Kenya Defence College, Lt. Gen. Juma Mwinyikai.

President Museveni concluded by calling on the region’s current and future leaders to steer Africa toward unity, rational economic planning, and responsible governance. “The future belongs to a united Africa. Let us lead the way.”