On January 5, 2024, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni engaged in discussions with a group of Speakers of Parliament from various countries at the Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort in Kampala. The meeting, occurring alongside the 27th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), saw Museveni reaffirming Uganda’s potential for investment.
The visiting Speakers, representing nations such as Sri Lanka, Ghana, Burundi, and South Sudan, were in Uganda for the ongoing CSPOC, which commenced on Wednesday and concludes on Saturday.
In a session with Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, the Speaker from Sri Lanka, Museveni conveyed Uganda’s readiness for investment and cooperation. The Ugandan President emphasized the nation’s abundant resources, stating that Uganda possesses all the necessary elements for investment, including a thriving market for finished goods.
“We have a lot of potential, we are ready. Let the leaders come, and we talk. We have everything here; there’s nothing we don’t have. We are organizing the African Common Market,” expressed Museveni to Abeywardena.
Additionally, Museveni reflected on the historical aspects of imperialism during the meeting, asserting that European colonization of countries in other continents was an ideological mistake. He argued that imperialism, in the long run, is futile as the colonized people eventually gain knowledge and autonomy, leading to the expulsion of the colonizers.
“You may have an initial advantage of technology, but they will learn and kick you out.”
Abeywardena acknowledged Museveni’s leadership and updated him on Sri Lanka’s economic resilience in the face of pandemic challenges.
In a separate meeting with Ghana’s Speaker, Alban S.K Bagbin, and his delegation, Museveni advocated for leaders to prioritize the politics of interest over identity. He shared Uganda’s experience in rejecting the divisive politics of identity in favor of a focus on national interests, promoting unity and prosperity.
“Instead of talking about the politics of identity, why don’t you talk about the politics of patriotism? Love Uganda. Why do you love Uganda? Because you need it for your prosperity,” urged Museveni.
Bagbin commended Museveni for his leadership skills and expressed gratitude for the positive engagement.
Furthermore, Museveni discussed the socio-political dynamics of South Sudan, including election-related matters, with the Speaker of the South Sudan National Assembly, Jemma Nunu Kumba. Additionally, there was a brief interaction with the Speaker of the Burundi National Assembly, Gelase Daniel Ndabirabe.
