In a resolute message to the people of Uganda and the international community, President Yoweri Museveni took to Twitter on November 5, 2023, to declare that Uganda has the capability to achieve its growth and transformation goals independently, even in the face of recent actions taken by the American government. In his tweet, he addressed the Western world’s actions to discourage American companies from investing in Uganda and removing the country from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) list.
President Museveni conveyed his unwavering confidence in Uganda’s self-reliance, emphasizing that the nation’s potential transcends external support. He stated, “Some of these actors in the Western World overestimate themselves and underestimate the freedom fighters of Africa. On account of some of the freedom fighters making mistakes of philosophy, ideology, and strategy, some of the foreign actors erroneously think that African Countries cannot move forward without their support.”
The President then laid out the eight pivotal factors he believes are essential for Uganda’s development, as he shared during the recent Independence celebrations. These include patriotism, supporting the private sector, economic infrastructure development, regional integration, cooperation with respectful foreign partners, anti-corruption measures, social infrastructure development, and environmental protection.
Museveni commended the American government for not cutting funding for the procurement of HIV drugs for the 1.4 million people in Uganda who rely on them. He assured the nation that Uganda had contingency plans in place to secure the necessary funds for drug procurement if external support were to falter. He underscored the importance of resisting external pressures, characterizing them as disrespectful and condescending toward Africans.
The President also drew attention to the selective nature of international pressure, mentioning that some Arab countries have similar laws but are not subject to the same level of scrutiny. He called for fairness in dealing with nations around the world.
Reflecting on the history of African independence struggles, President Museveni highlighted the determination of the continent to achieve self-reliance. He recounted the formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963 and the subsequent independence movements that led to the liberation of the entire African continent.
Museveni emphasized that Africa possesses all the necessary ingredients for success, and Uganda, under the National Resistance Movement (NRM), will thrive regardless of external actions and internal detractors. He noted that not all Western countries’ actors share the same attitude, pointing out that some have historically supported anti-colonial struggles.
In concluding his message, President Museveni signed off with a firm declaration of Uganda’s self-determination, stating, “Uganda, under the NRM, is and will succeed, regardless of what some of the external actors and internal detractors do.”
President Museveni’s tweet serves as a clear statement of Uganda’s commitment to its path of development and self-reliance, even in the face of external challenges and scepticism from certain quarters. It reflects his determination to steer the nation towards prosperity and independence.
