Museveni Urges East African lawmakers to prioritise Integration for continent’s future

ENTEBBE:  President Yoweri Museveni has called on East African lawmakers to prioritise the continent’s integration, describing it as a “matter of life and death” for Africa’s future.

He made these remarks while addressing the opening of the 3rd session of the 5th East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) at State House Entebbe.

President Museveni emphasised that integration is essential for securing prosperity and unity across the continent.

“Africa’s integration is a matter of life and death for Africans,” he said. “We must make it a priority if we are to secure our future.”

He cautioned against the dangers of identity-based politics, which he believes fosters division rather than contributing to prosperity.

Unity and Pan-Africanism: Museveni underscored the importance of solidarity among African nations to overcome common challenges.

Economic Empowerment: He stressed the need for economic integration as a means to promote prosperity and improve the lives of Africans.

Political Federation: Museveni advocated for a political federation of East Africa, arguing that it would help address regional issues more effectively.

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He also shared his differing views with past African leaders, such as Kwame Nkrumah and Muammar Gaddafi, on the political federation of the whole of Africa, opting instead for the political federation of East Africa.

Museveni explained that he prefers a political federation limited to East Africa, believing that a united East Africa would have been better positioned to resolve conflicts in the region.

“If East Africa had been united, we would have solved the problems of Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo more easily,” he said. “But it’s not too late to achieve the federation of East Africa.”

The Speaker of EALA, Rt. Hon. Joseph Ntakirutimana, praised President Museveni for his steadfast commitment to the cause of regional integration, calling him the “only remaining pillar” advocating for the federation.

“We are proud that President Museveni continues to push for the federation of East Africa,” Rt. Hon. Ntakirutimana said.