President Museveni has emphasized the critical role of African integration in securing the continent’s future, calling it a “matter of life and death” for Africans.
Addressing the opening of the 3rd session of the 5th East African Legislative Assembly at State House Entebbe, Museveni stressed that integration is key to promoting prosperity and unity.
“Africa’s integration is a matter of life and death for Africans,” Museveni said. “We must prioritize it to secure our future.”
Museveni also cautioned against the dangers of politics of identity, which he believes fosters division rather than promoting prosperity. “The politics of identity creates more divisions than solutions,” he noted.
The President highlighted three key historical missions for the African people:
Unity and Pan-Africanism: Museveni emphasized the importance of unity among African nations.
Economic Empowerment: He stressed the need for economic integration to promote prosperity.
Political Federation: Museveni advocated for a political federation of East Africa, citing its potential to address regional challenges.
Museveni revealed that he differed with Nkwame Nkrumah and Muammar Gaddafi on the political federation of the whole of Africa, opting instead for the political federation of East Africa. He believes that a united East Africa would have addressed regional challenges more effectively.
“If East Africa had been united, we would have solved the problems of Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Somalia, and DR Congo more easily,” Museveni said. “But it’s not too late to achieve the federation of East Africa.”
The Speaker of EALA, Joseph Ntakirutimana, praised Museveni as the only remaining pillar agitating for federation. “We are proud that President Museveni is still pushing for the federation,” Joseph Ntakirutimana said.