Museveni lectures Zimbabwe soldiers on Africa’ prosperity
By Our reporter
ENTEBBE – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Forces, has lectured thirty-two Zimbabwean soldiers on the prosperity principles of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) that has been in power for over three decades.
In a meeting held at State House Entebbe Thursday, August 8th, 2024, the President emphasised the four principles.
President Museveni highlighted how after African countries gained independence, leaders like Robert Mugabe, Samora Machel, Julius Nyerere, and others began analyzing and devising strategies to promote prosperity in Africa.
“These principles are what Africa needs to achieve prosperity without relying on external aid. Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-economic Transformation, and Democracy,” he said.
President Museveni emphasized, “For Africa to grow and reduce dependence on Western countries, every adult should engage in producing goods or services, sell them with proper calculation (ekibaaro), and earn money through this process to attain prosperity for their country.”
He elaborated on the first principle, patriotism, stressing the importance of moving away from politics based on identity towards politics based on national interests.
He underlined the need for people to prioritise their love for their country over tribal or religious affiliations, stating, “Love Uganda because it is essential for your own prosperity.”
Regarding, Pan-Africanism, President Museveni said it is crucial for African countries to achieve prosperity. He highlighted the necessity of expanding the market economy as internal markets may not suffice with increased production of goods and services.
He pointed out that Uganda’s production growth in products like milk and sugarcane surpassed the capacity of its internal market, requiring access to the larger African market for sustained economic growth.
President Museveni emphasised the significance of embracing Pan-Africanism, encouraging people to love Africa due to its essential role in their prosperity.
He said, socio-economic transformation, emphasising the necessity for societies to intentionally undergo socioeconomic transformation through education and active involvement in profitable sectors such as commercial agriculture.
President Museveni said to focus on these key sectors so that societies can achieve prosperity.
He also underscored the importance of strategic security for the country, noting that a stable nation can experience faster economic growth without interruptions.
President Museveni pointed out that heavy reliance on foreign aid is detrimental to many African countries as it often leads to external interference in their internal affairs.
He also identified corruption as a significant challenge in African countries, stating, “The major problem we have in Uganda now is corruption among our cadres.”
Captain Morris Mwijuka, the head of the delegation, expressed gratitude to the President for the insightful lecture and the warm hospitality extended to them during their visit to Uganda.
