Museveni Links Strong Defence to Robust Economies for African Nations

President Yoweri Museveni has stated that the ability of African nations to maintain strong defense forces is directly dependent on the wealth generated through economic development. Speaking at the inaugural African Conference of Chiefs of Defence Forces on Military Operations Other Than War, Museveni highlighted the need for a strategic approach where economic prosperity underpins security.

He urged African governments to prioritize sectors such as commercial agriculture, industry, services, and information and communication technology (ICT). According to Museveni, these areas are crucial for building economies that can adequately support national security and effectively respond to evolving threats.

“A country cannot have a strong and safe defence force without a strong economy,” President Museveni asserted during the closing of the conference held at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

Furthermore, the President stressed the importance of expanding markets through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and enhanced regional integration. He believes this will foster greater business opportunities and strengthen economic cooperation across the continent.

Museveni also underscored that security should not be viewed in isolation, but rather in conjunction with economic development, political cohesion, and strategic cooperation. He concluded by thanking the visiting defense officials for their participation in the conference, which focused on military operations beyond conventional warfare and the role of armed forces in peace and development.

This conference brought together military and intelligence leaders to discuss contemporary security challenges and their role in national progress. The AfCFTA initiative aims to boost intra-African trade by dismantling trade barriers and creating a unified continental market.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)