President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni urged leaders to prioritize politics of interest over identity for the prosperity of their nations in a luncheon organized for Speakers and Presiding Officers of Commonwealth countries at Speke Resort Munyonyo. The call came during the 27th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the National Parliaments of Independent Sovereign States of the Commonwealth, currently hosted in Uganda.
President Museveni pointed out that Africa’s significant population has long suffered from mismanagement, attributing it to what he termed as the false ideology of imperialists who emphasized politics of identity based on tribes, race, religion, and gender, rather than focusing on common interests.
Highlighting the misdiagnosis of issues, Museveni likened leadership to a medical doctor’s approach, emphasizing the need for correct identification of problems and appropriate prescriptions. He acknowledged that Uganda, like other African nations, had grappled with pseudo ideologies until 1965 when a student movement took a stand against politics of identity that hindered progress.
Providing an example from his own tribe, primarily engaged in cattle keeping and farming, Museveni emphasized that prosperity arises from producing goods or services and selling them. Rejecting the politics of identity, he stressed that mutual interests, rather than tribal affiliations, lead to prosperity.
Museveni’s rejection of identity politics extended to the national level, emphasizing that internal markets alone were insufficient. Consequently, the movement adopted Pan-Africanism as a core principle, recognizing the importance of both Uganda and Africa as integral to each other’s prosperity.
In attendance at the conference, the Speaker of the Tanzanian National Assembly, Tulia Ackson, commended President Museveni for his insightful speech. She highlighted the need for Presiding Officers to focus on influencing others through actions rather than mere speeches.
With representatives from 33 Commonwealth countries present, discussions during the conference will center on parliamentary influence, ensuring adequate representation for various groups in societies, and strategic thinking for legislative bodies.
