Emmanuel Buhaburwa Babu, an aspirant for the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), has proposed the establishment of a regional standby military force to respond to security threats and civil unrest within the East African Community (EAC).
Babu, a long-serving staff member at the NRM Secretariat told Bbeg Media that if elected to the regional House, one of his priorities would be to advocate for a unified regional military operating under a single command structure.
“I will advocate for a united army under one command. This will strengthen regional integration because no partner state would be accused of harbouring rebels fighting another member state,” Babu said.
According to him, a regional military force comprising personnel from EAC member states including Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia would help address existing security threats facing the region.
He argued that a common military force would improve regional stability and strengthen the bloc’s ability to respond to external threats and internal conflicts.
He also criticised what he described as actions by powerful countries that interfere in the affairs of weaker nations. He cited conflicts involving Iran and Palestine, saying a stronger and more united Africa would be better positioned to protect its interests on the global stage.
“If East Africa and Africa as a whole had stronger collective defence mechanisms, the continent would be in a better position to safeguard its security, economy and diplomatic interests,” he said.
Babu said his 15 years of service at the NRM secretariat under President Museveni had equipped him with valuable experience and knowledge that he intends to use in promoting regional integration.
He pledged to lobby for the free movement of services across member states, particularly in education, healthcare, communication and technology.
He expressed concern that despite the existence of the East African Customs Union and Common Market, the free movement of labour, services and goods remains a challenge.
Babu also called for the revival of the “Coalition of the Willing”, a framework through which some East African countries have previously pursued joint regional projects.
He said trade barriers continue to hinder commerce among member states despite the region’s significant economic opportunities and comparative advantages.
The EALA elections are scheduled to be held in December 2027.
