The NRM chairman and President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni, has renewed his call for a united Africa as a tool to faster economic progress. Speaking at a scientific celebration of the 35th NRM/A liberation Day at State House in Entebbe, Mr Museveni said that the new generation of leaders are making a mistake by disintergrating countries into small states.
The President who has championed the integration of the East African Community since the early 1990s, said his government will intensify the regional cooperation in this new term of office. “In this kisanja (this term), one of the ideas is to intensify the East African Cooperation. If we do not do that, there is no way these African countries will be prosperous in a modern way,” Mr Museveni said.
The President said that while countries can rely on internal markets, the purchasing power of goods made in these countries expands when markets are opened up under regional and continental integrations. He decried leaders that were turning Africa into what he called a Latin America, where small countries were formed with populations of about two million people. Mr Museveni explained that the reason the US is a super power is because it brought together all the small former British colonies into one country.
He underscored Uganda’s economic growth which he attributed to infrastructural growth. “We are in a very good situation. The industrial sector is growing. But we need to solve the issue of the market,” Mr Museveni told his audience of about 50 government officials, religious leaders, political leaders and diplomats.
Mr Museveni warned Ugandans against involving themselves in violence, saying government has the capacity to counter and defeat them. He congratulated Ugandans for holding peaceful elections.
However, he had a terse warning to those contemplating mischief.
“I appeal to those thinking of violence to stop because it will not work. Your are wasting your time. Don’t entertain any ideas about violence and intimidation," he said.
President Museveni was announced winner of the January 14th presidential election with 58% of the vote, with Robert Kyagulanyi of the NUP party coming second with 34% of the vote.
Following a call by the day's preacher, Msgnr Charles Kasibante, President Museveni said he had no problem talking to and working with his political opponents.
“Idi Amin’s son is a director of intelligence, Tito Okello's son is my minister. Obote's daughter-in-law is also a minister in our government. We don’t have any problem but we won't tolerate violence,” said the President.
VICTORY WAS IDEOLOGICAL
Speaking about the victory of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in 1986, President Museveni said it was not only a military (NRA) one but a success of ideas they represented.
President Museveni said the NRM/A victory came after a long period of struggle.
“It all started in 1965 when we formed a student movement separate from the three old parties; DP, UPC, KY, which were built on the foundation of sectarianism," said the President. "DP was for Catholics, UPC for Protestants and KY for Baganda."
President Museveni said they sensed the danger these three political parties posed with their ideology of focusing on identity.
The first problem, Mr. Museveni said, was that no political party would form a Government because they couldn't mobilise a national majority.
“We said no to this approach. Why would you look at people’s identity when they have similar problems and interests? Initially, people were laughing at us that we didn't know what we were talking about, that we were not realistic," said the President.
Many countries in Africa, the President said, have been affected by the problem of ideological bankruptcy based on identity, citing Sudan, Somalia, Central Africa Republic, among others.
“NRM from the beginning has been talking about the four principles of Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Social Economic Transformation and Democracy," said Museveni.
He added, "Because of that, Ugandans have now woken up a little. That's how we have a lot of milk, bananas, sugar, etc. In this term, one of the issues is to intensify the East African integration to solve the issue of markets."
Msgnr Kasibante, who represented the Archbishop of Kampala, prayed peace and reconciliation.
“As Ugandans we only need to reconcile with one another, forgive all those with divergent views. I call upon all to seek peace and persue it," he said.
The ceremony was attended by the First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni, Vice President Edward Sekandi, Speaker Rebecca Kadaga, Chief Justice Owinyi-Dollo, Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda and NRM Secretary General Kasule Lumumba.