Editorial
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Wednesday received the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Ms. Shirley Botchwey, who paid a courtesy call on him at State House Entebbe.
President Museveni welcomed Ms. Botchwey to Uganda, describing her as “our daughter” and expressing his happiness at receiving her.
The President said Africa should pursue greater unity and integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while maintaining relations with other trade partners of its choice.
He cautioned against clustering African countries along former colonial associations, saying the continent’s partnerships should be guided by its broader interests.
“We should associate with a united Africa in the context of the Continental Free Trade Area and other trade partners of our choice, rather than clustering Africa depending on former colonial association,” President Museveni said.
He emphasised the need to continue pursuing Africa’s integration agenda, noting that former colonial powers can partner with Africa as long as such partnerships do not interfere with or undermine the continent’s unity and development.
President Museveni also welcomed proposals for the establishment of a Commonwealth climate fund to support the development of alternative sources of energy, including solar, hydro and nuclear power.
He further welcomed the proposal for a youth aspiration fund to support the skilling of Africa’s large and youthful population.
The President stressed the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge and skills required to participate meaningfully in Africa’s socio-economic transformation.
Ms. Botchwey, who is on a visit to Uganda, commended President Museveni’s views on Africa’s development and self-reliance, noting that Africa is a major component of the Commonwealth and should play a central role in shaping its future.
She said the Commonwealth cannot simply look on as challenges facing Africa persist, stressing the need to change the way things are done and promote greater self-reliance on the continent.
Ms. Botchwey said the Commonwealth is working to make the African Continental Free Trade Area work better and remains committed to working with countries and regions in pursuit of shared development.
The meeting focused on Africa’s integration and self-reliance, Uganda’s cooperation with the Commonwealth, trade and investment, climate action, alternative energy development, and opportunities for skilling and empowering Africa’s young population.