President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on African leaders to decisively resist foreign ideologies that threaten the continent’s cultural and family foundations, urging a parallel push for economic and political integration to ensure Africa’s long-term prosperity and security.
Speaking at the 3rd African Regional Inter-Parliamentary Conference held at State House Entebbe under the theme “Towards an African Charter on Family Values and Sovereignty,” President Museveni emphasised the urgency of safeguarding Africa’s identity from external interference.
The high-level conference was attended by several key parliamentary leaders, including Rt. Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta (The Gambia), Rt. Hon. Jemma Nunu Kumba (South Sudan), Rt. Hon. Vital Kamerhe (DR Congo), and Rt. Hon. Tsitsi Gezi (Zimbabwe).
Aligning himself with a growing continental movement to uphold African traditions, President Museveni said: “In Uganda, I belong to the National Resistance Movement, but I see I am being recruited into the Continental Resistance Movement. I congratulate you for standing firm against disorientation. When people abandon what is right and embrace what is wrong, that is madness, and trying to export that to others is criminal. But it will not succeed.”
The President warned against pressure from global institutions advocating for foreign sexual and reproductive rights agendas, referencing the Samoa Agreement between the EU and OACPS as an example. “Study that Samoa document closely. Uganda hasn’t signed anything yet. If it contains these things, we shall pull out,” he stated.
Quoting scripture, Museveni emphasised that African and biblical traditions recognise natural stages of human development and warned against prematurely introducing children to adult concepts. “When children are children, they should learn what is appropriate for their age. Teaching a child to become a woman or man before their time is madness.”
He stressed that defending the family structure requires not just moral courage but also economic strength and political unity. “There can be no nation without families, and no successful families without strong countries. I speak as a husband, father, grandfather, and freedom fighter. We must empower Africa politically and economically if we are to protect our families.”
Recalling the backlash Uganda faced after enacting the Anti-Homosexuality Act, including being dropped from the AGOA trade agreement and having World Bank loans suspended, Museveni noted that Uganda’s economy continued to grow, reaching over 6% growth and heading toward double digits due to oil development.
“This pressure comes because we are weak. To resist, you must be rich and united. No African country can prosper alone.”
He called for deepened Pan-Africanism, emphasising the necessity of a continental market. “The Banyankore cannot be prosperous selling milk and beef to each other. We need Uganda, East Africa, and Africa. That’s why Pan-Africanism matters.”
Rejecting protectionist sentiments, Museveni defended trade with regional partners like Tanzania: “I won’t ban rice from Tanzania. Let them bring it if it’s better. Competition helps our farmers improve.”
He warned that without a bigger market, Africa’s producers would remain poor and ineffective: “Prosperity requires markets. No national economy can thrive without a strong continental economy.”
Highlighting the NRM’s four ideological pillars—Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-Economic Transformation, and Democracy—he said these are essential to achieving Africa’s three historical missions: Prosperity, Strategic Security, and Brotherhood. “Aid will not bring prosperity. If it did, Latin America would be rich. We must create and sell with ekibalo—calculation—and access markets.”
Museveni concluded by calling for full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and political federation. “The difference between the USA and Latin America is integration versus fragmentation. Integration brings strength. Your tribe needs a united Africa more than you think.”
Sovereignty, Not Submission
First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, echoed the call for resistance to global ideologies that undermine African values. “It is an honour to reflect on one of the most urgent calls of our time: the preservation of our sovereignty, values, and families,” she said.
She challenged Africa’s continued dependence on foreign aid: “Many African nations depend on external funding. But at what cost? This cannot continue. Uganda is working hard to truly become independent.”
She cautioned that foreign aid often comes with conditions that seek to reshape African societies: “Aid today often aims to redefine us by foreign standards, threatening the values we hold sacred.”
Speaking as a wife, mother, and grandmother, Maama Janet expressed concern over a world that no longer protects innocence or celebrates African tradition: “Will our children recognise the identity we fought to preserve?”
As Education Minister, she outlined government-funded reforms to instil patriotism, responsibility, and reverence for family and God within Uganda’s curricula. “We are developing a values-based education framework—free from foreign funding influence—to safeguard our heritage.”
She highlighted Uganda’s commitment to the Geneva Consensus Declaration, which affirms the sovereignty of nations in the face of external ideological pressures, and thanked the President for championing African dignity and self-determination.
“Let us legislate for sovereignty, integrity, and future generations. May this conference guide us toward a charter that ensures dignity, unity, and true independence.”
Toward an African Charter
Hon. Sarah Opendi, Chairperson of the Conference, called on legislators to reclaim the continent’s autonomy and finalise an African Charter on Family Values and Sovereignty. “Our leaders have not always spoken with one voice. Too long we’ve depended on external funding for key sectors.”
She said the proposed Charter will focus on health and education sovereignty, infrastructure, and preserving cultural values. “This will be a legacy document for adoption by African Heads of State.”
Global Support and Unity
Mrs. Sharon Slater, President of Family Watch International, praised African leaders for taking a stand, urging them to adopt a strong protocol defending the institution of the family from foreign ideologies. “The family is the beating heart of the nation. If families fall, nations fall. Africa must push back against this sexual impunity being exported from the West.”
The conference was attended by deputy speakers, MPs from across the continent, religious leaders, and cultural representatives, all united in the call for an Africa rooted in its own values, sovereignty, and future.
