President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called for greater African unity and integration, urging the Commonwealth to engage with Africa through the continent’s broader interests rather than former colonial associations.
Museveni made the remarks on Wednesday when he received Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey, who paid a courtesy call on him at State House Entebbe.
The President welcomed Botchwey to Uganda, describing her as “our daughter” and expressing his pleasure at receiving her.
He said Africa should pursue greater unity through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while maintaining relations with other trade partners of its choice.
“We should associate with a united Africa in the context of the Continental Free Trade Area and other trade partners of our choice, rather than clustering Africa depending on former colonial association,” Museveni said.
He said former colonial powers can continue partnering with Africa, provided such relations do not interfere with the continent’s unity and development.
Museveni also welcomed proposals for the establishment of a Commonwealth climate fund to support alternative energy sources, including solar, hydro and nuclear power.
He further welcomed a proposal for a youth aspiration fund to support skilling and equip Africa’s youthful population with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in socio-economic transformation.
Botchwey said Africa is a major component of the Commonwealth and should play a central role in shaping the organisation’s future.
She commended Museveni’s views on African development and self-reliance, saying the Commonwealth could not simply look on as challenges facing the continent persist.
“We need to change the way we do things and promote greater self-reliance on the continent,” Botchwey said.
She said the Commonwealth was working to make the AfCFTA work better and remained committed to working with countries and regions to advance shared development.
The meeting also discussed Uganda’s cooperation with the Commonwealth, trade and investment, climate action, alternative energy development and opportunities for skilling Africa’s young population.
