Museveni Rejects US and UK Military Bases in Uganda

On March 5, 2026, Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni stated that he rejected proposals by the United States and the United Kingdom to establish military bases in Uganda, despite offers to strengthen military cooperation. Museveni explained that Uganda’s army is already well-built and capable of defending the country independently. He referenced Uganda’s military history, highlighting the army’s success in defeating Milton Obote’s forces in 1986, as a foundation for self-reliance. “Foreign troops? What? We can defend ourselves, we don’t need help from others. If we want knowledge, we can come, learn, and come back,” Museveni said. He also emphasized concerns over legal accountability, noting that agreements in other countries often require foreign soldiers accused of crimes to be tried in their home countries, which he would not accept for Ugandans. The announcement comes amid Iranian attacks on US military bases in the Middle East, showing vulnerabilities for countries hosting foreign bases. Museveni highlighted that security in West African nations with foreign bases like Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali has improved, but Uganda prefers self-reliance and national control over military matters. Currently, the US maintains bases in African countries including Djibouti, Somalia, Cameroon, Seychelles, and Kenya, while the UK has a base in Nanyuki, Laikipia Region. This decision reinforces Uganda’s stance on sovereignty and independent defense capabilities.