President Museveni has said the dramatic arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the United States is a wake up call for the critical need for Africa to urgently strengthen its strategic security across land, sea, air and space.
Museveni made the remarks during an interaction with youth dubbed Jazz With Jajja at State Lodge in Nakasero, Kampala
Maduro was reportedly captured in a major U.S. military operation in Venezuela and flown to the United States to face charges including narco-terrorism and drug trafficking, part of a long-running U.S. campaign against his government.
He and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken into custody after U.S. forces struck key targets in Caracas, triggering international debate over the legality and implications of the operation.
Museveni said whereas he is not aware of the reason behind the arrest, the incident highlights the critical need for Africa to bolster itself in terms of strategic security.
“I don’t know what they are fighting for because Americans are saying that some of the Latin Americans are sending drugs to the U.S., but we shall learn more,” Museveni said, acknowledging the confusion and mixed messages around the situation. “But whatever the case, you can see the gaps I am telling you about.”
The President painted a picture of modern geopolitical dynamics, contrasting Africa’s current strategic position with that of powerful nations.
“Americans are operating from four dimensions: the sea — and Latin Americans don’t have a navy; the air; space; and now they are trying to come on land,” he said. “In space, you are at an advantage — you see me, I don’t. In the ocean, I am not there. This is what we are talking about as Africans.”
Museveni warned that without strengthened strategic capacity, African nations remain vulnerable.
“It presents the issue of strategic security. You can remain a big fish in a small pond, but when trouble comes, you may not survive. The strategic security of Africa is very crucial.”
He praised regional cooperation efforts, particularly in East Africa, where leaders have sought to unite land and maritime resources.
“I am happy leaders of East Africa have never given up on this matter. We are able to unite our land and sea space, have more resources to build capacity on land, sea, in air and in space.”
Museveni stressed that Africa must not be passive while other powers dominate space technologies and strategic domains.
“We can’t remain here when other people are in space and say we are clever,” he said. “You should wake up. East Africa has all the potential. We are very strong. We can use Kiswahili to unite ourselves.”
He also pointed out the risks of Africa’s fragmented defense posture.
“You can have small countries like Denmark with a center of gravity but when they are in trouble, a big boy like the U.S. defends them. But the entire African continent doesn’t have one, and it is very risky.”
