(Kampala) – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) to prioritize the full realization of East African market integration and the East African Federation. He warned that if the region does not succeed in integrating its market, it risks following the same path as Latin America, a resource rich region that has remained underdeveloped due to fragmented markets.
Museveni delivered this message on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, during a special sitting of EALA at State House, Entebbe. The session, which will run until November 12, 2024, is aimed at discussing the future of East African cooperation and development. The President stressed that the historical mission of market integration is critical for East Africa’s development.
In his speech, President Museveni drew a comparison between East Africa and Latin America, highlighting how a lack of market integration can hinder economic growth. Despite its wealth in natural resources, Latin America has struggled with development due to fragmented markets. He urged EALA members to ensure that East Africa does not face a similar fate.
“You people are historically very privileged. You should help us solve the problem of market integration,” the President said, emphasizing the role EALA members can play in fostering regional unity.
Museveni also spoke about the importance of strategic security, another key mission of African freedom fighters like the National Resistance Movement (NRM). He argued that achieving strategic security is essential to protect East Africa’s interests, especially as other global powers focus on dominating land, air, sea, and even space. He questioned how African countries could compete with these powers without a unified approach.
“Uganda will become a first-world country, but can we afford a space program to go to the moon? That’s why we said long ago that political federation is necessary. Even if we achieve market integration like the European Union, we must address strategic security through political and security unity,” Museveni said.
He further stressed the importance of “brotherhood” or “Undugu,” a concept he believes can help address the challenges of prosperity and security in the region. The President encouraged the legislators to instill patriotism and Pan-Africanism in their people to foster economic growth and stability.
“If you want to be prosperous, you have no alternative but to love Uganda and to love Africa. Add socio-economic transformation and democracy, and these principles will help us achieve prosperity,” he added.
EALA Speaker Rt. Hon. Joseph Ntakirutimana thanked President Museveni for his leadership and acknowledged his role in the political and economic transformation of East Africa. He highlighted the expansion of the East African Community (EAC), which now includes eight member countries, as a testament to the President’s efforts to promote regional unity.
“We are proud to witness the positive impact of your leadership not only in Uganda but across East Africa,” Ntakirutimana said.
The special sitting was also attended by Uganda’s Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, and NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, along with other distinguished guests.
