President Yoweri Museveni has called on African defence leaders to look beyond military strength, arguing that lasting security on the continent depends heavily on strong economies, political cohesion and regional cooperation.
Museveni made the remarks while closing the inaugural African Conference of Chiefs of Defence Forces on Military Operations Other Than War at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
The President told defence leaders that security cannot be separated from a country’s economic and political foundations.
“A country cannot have a strong and safe defence force without a strong economy,” Museveni said.
He urged African countries to focus on creating wealth through commercial agriculture, industry, services and information and communication technology (ICT).
MUSEVENI PUSHES REGIONAL INTEGRATION
Museveni also stressed the importance of expanding African markets through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and deeper regional integration.
According to the President, stronger regional markets can help African countries grow their economies while creating the resources needed to support effective defence and security institutions.
He further linked political cohesion and strategic cooperation to the continent’s ability to respond effectively to security challenges.
DEFENCE BEYOND THE BATTLEFIELD
The conference focused on Military Operations Other Than War, reflecting the expanding role of defence forces in responding to challenges beyond conventional warfare.
Museveni’s message placed economic development, political stability and cooperation alongside military preparedness as key pillars of national and continental security.
The inaugural conference brought together African defence leaders to discuss military roles in addressing emerging security challenges and strengthening cooperation.
HIGHLIGHTS
– President Museveni closed the inaugural African Conference of Chiefs of Defence Forces in Munyonyo.
– He linked national security to economic strength and political cohesion.
– He urged African countries to create wealth through agriculture, industry, services and ICT.
– Museveni called for greater use of AfCFTA and regional integration to expand markets.
– He emphasised strategic cooperation among African countries and their defence institutions.
TAKEAWAY
Museveni’s message to Africa’s defence chiefs was clear: military power alone cannot guarantee lasting security. Strong economies, political stability, regional markets and strategic cooperation, he argued, must form part of the continent’s wider security strategy.
