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THE VISION, MISSION AND STRATEGIC PLAN OF ACTION OF THE AFRICAN UNION
2004-07-06 Kwanza, nataka kutoa hongera kwako, ndungu Raisi, Kwakuchaguliwa kuwa mwenyekiti wa Jumuia yetu kwa mwaka ujao. Ujuzi wako oukuubwa, utatusukuma katika safari ndeefu. Nataka kumushukuru saana mpigania uhuru, mpigania ukombozi, mwenzetu, Ndugu Chissano, kwa kaazi nzuuri aliyofwanya kwa niaba ya Jumuia yetu kwa mwaka moja uliyopita. Tena, Ndugu Chissano alishiriki na kuchangia ukombozi wa Uganda. Ndugu Chissano Asante sana.
Nataka kumushukuru, katibu Mkuu wa Umoja wa mataifa, Mheshimiwa Koffi Annan, kwasababu ya kwendeleza shuguli zake kwa makini, na kwaharakati za kutafuta amani ulimwenguni. Hasa tuna mushukuru kwa kushiriki kwenye shuguri kukabiliana na shida za kisiasa, kiusalama na kibinadamu za Africa.
Mr. Chairman,
My delegation has had an opportunity to critically study the various documents related to the Vision, Mission and the Strategic Frame work of the AU as articulated by the Chairperson of the Commission, Prof. Alpha Oumar Konare and his able team. That he has been able to crystallize such a clear vision on the future of the continent within a short time of his adminstration, demonstrates his illustrious leadership and unwavering commitment to the cause of mother Africa. He must be congratulated for rising to the occasion.
The essence of the AU Commission Chairperson’s vision is that we must build ‘a united, peaceful and prosperous Africa’. In order to attain the central objective of regional and continental political and economic integration, certain prerequisites must be pursued, namely infrastructure development, economic and institutional transformation, capacity building, total involvement of our people and application of science and technology. All these need to be done within the context of peace and security.
Why is the Vision necessary? Is the time ripe for such a Vision for Africa’s political and economic integration to be enunciated? For too long our continent has been gropping in the dark. Consequently, at a time of phenomenal technological advancement in other continents, Africa has been continuously marginalized accounting for only 1% of world GDP; 2% of global trade; home of greatest number of Least Developed Countries; and with 40% of the population living below the poverty line of USD1 per day. Clearly, there is the need for vision to enable Africa to get out of this abyss. In this regard, therefore, Uganda fully identifies with the AU Commission’s vision and strategic plan.
In my view, the current socio-economic situation in Africa continues to be disadvantageous for the following reasons:
1. Reliance on export of raw materials, and low technological base;
2. Small, non-optimal markets because of small national populations on account of excessive political balkanization of the continent;
3. Weak and vulnerable negotiating positions at both bilateral level with our trading partners and in the multilateral fora such as WTO; This on account of the small size of the African Countries taken individually;
4. Low appeal to private sector investment; because of the same small individual markets of African countries not ensuring low costs of production;
5. Irrational and fragmented utilization of Africa’s natural resources, such as rivers, the coastal areas and harbours separated politically from the hinterland;
6. Cultural fragmentation – dividing people who are the same culturally;
7. Poor defence potential to safeguard and secure Africa’s interests in a world characterized by ego-centrism, greed, aggression and hegemonism.
In order to address these fundamental problems, it is important to think in terms of a more radical pan-africanism. The debate on the AU Commission Chairperson’s initiative is, therefore, timely and most commendable..
Africa has to, in my opinion, adopt three strategic integration goals:
(i) Political integration;
(ii) Economic integration; and
(iii) Shared defence and security arrangements.
First, among the three, the political process is the highest form of integration. However, success of political integration requires a certain degree of cultural homogeneity or, at least, compatibility, including linguistic similarities and, possibly, shared historical and institutional experiences. That is why, we, in East Africa, are tirelessly working on transforming the EAC into a nucleus political federation for the African peoples of that area. We believe that EAC provides the best example for a political union and building block for continental integration because of our demonstrated common/shared historical, cultural, linguistic and administrative linkages and shared past experiences.
Second, Africa must redouble efforts to strengthen the African Economic Community and forge deeper economic integration. It is, indeed, possible and desirable for the whole of Africa to integrate economically. We have no equivocation in supporting this aspect of integration. Critically this process will require:
(i) Harmonization and rationalization of the existing Regional Economic Communities;
(ii) Infrastructure development within and among states;
(iii) Harmonization of regulation, policies, and laws to facilitate free movement of goods, capital, services, and people;
(iv) Investment in human resource development including, skills technology development and centers of excellence to ensure Africa’s competitiveness and bridging of the digital divide;
(v) Application of science and technology for transformation of African economies;
(vi) Strengthening Pan-African institutions such as AU, Pan-African Parliament, etc.
Third, Africa needs to critically analyze the importance of shared Defence and Security. We must appreciate the inherent danger associated with weak, fragile and fragmented political and economic entities, failed states leading to regional conflicts and threats from terrorism. We, therefore, need to examine suitable regional and continental defence and security arrangements. We also need to worry about and oppose those who, for partisan interests, threaten our own fundamental interests. Global warming is one example. Global warming is caused by the profligate living of the Western countries. Those countries generate a lot of green house gases that warm the globe. The global warming means less rainfall for Africa. This is threatening our survival. The way we are now, we cannot successfully oppose this aggression. Therefore, apart from the political integration for those states that are most compatible as well as the economic integration of the whole continent, we must work towards a shared Defence arrangement. The sovereign political entities of Africa would maintain their armies. However, we support a continental Defence Pact where we would share certain elements for common Defence. Therefore, we propose that our integration process be divided into three elements: political, economic as well as security and defence. We think this categorization is optimal and realistic.
In the meantime, it is important that we recognize the importance of trade access; and we should know that we are losing more money through trade contraction than we are getting in from aid. In the last 14 years, Africa has lost US $900 billion through trade contraction. In comparison, Africa has got aid to the magnitude of US $445 billion from all sources in 42 years, since Independence. This shows, therefore, that the aid route is a loss-making route. We must, consequently, emphasize trade/market access, to all our Development partners.
I would like to take this opportunity to salute the President of the United States, George Bush, the former President, Bill Clinton, the United States Congress for promulgating the AGOA I, AGOA II and AGOA III. With the promulgation of AGOA III, it means that Black Africa can export to the American market, tariff and quota free, until 2015. In my opinion, this is the greatest act of solidarity between Africa and the U. S. in the last 500 years. Therefore, we should do everything possible to take advantage of this, so that by 2015 we are able to stand on our feet, so as to be able to compete with everybody in the world. We should also take advantage of the European Union’s EBA and other similar offers of improved market access for many African countries by Japan and Canada.
Another great disadvantage for Africa has been the export of raw-materials. This means that Africa, massively, exports value to the outside world. Cotton has got six (6) levels of activities: growing, ginning, spinning, weaving, printing and tailoring. When Africa confine, herself to exporting only ginned cotton, we are getting only 10% of the Supermarket value of the subsequent cotton product. Therefore, adding value to those raw –materials in an imperative we shall continue to ignore at our peril.
I would also like to suggest here the concept of an African Centre. African leaders should either build or rent buildings in the big cities of Europe and America, from where they can, together, market African products, culture and also promote Africa’s image in the world.
Mr. Chairman,
In our view the above goals call for a SMART vision, i.e. a clear, achievable, reliable, measurable objectives within agreed time frames. Further more, it requires total commitment and requisite resources. We would be prepared to pay for the cost of serious integration initiatives and processes, backed by a good cause. We must avoid utopian prescriptions, which can arm our enemies for in-action and create unrealistic expectations among our people. Equally, it is within this context that we share Prof. Alpha Oumar Konare’s vision of a gradual approach towards Africa’s integration.
Finally, I had way back in 1998, written a document on the question of Africa’s political, economic and security integration, entitled “Towards a Closer Cooperation in Africa”, which I shared with some of the African leaders. Copies of that document will be circulated by the Secretariat.
Thank you. ..End. |
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President Meets IMF Delegation
2007-09-25
President Yoweri Museveni has said that the Ugandan economy has continued to grow at a rate of 6.5% per annum despite the problem of electricity shortage. The President said this during a meeting with a delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) who called on him at State House, Nakasero. The delegation was led by the IMF Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Takatoshi Kato. Mr. Museveni told his visitors that the country now needs modern infrastructure, especially railway transport and roads, to enhance competitiveness in trade. He said the government of Uganda is now in the process of laying strategies to generate power on anticipation unlike in the past when electricity was generated on demand. The President regretted to note that floods have caused devastating effects in Eastern and Northern Uganda. He, however, noted that the rains have boosted water levels in the country.
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President Addresses Inter-University Guild Council
2007-09-24
President Yoweri Museveni has said that Makerere University Business School (MUBS) is under Makerere University and the current wrangles, therefore, are not called for as this was the decision of government right from the inception of Nakawa-based MUBS. The President, who was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Janet Museveni, made the clarification while addressing the Inter-University Students’ Guild Council seminar at the Uganda Manufacturers’ Association (UMA) hall, Lugogo in Kampala. The seminar ran under the theme “Role of the Youth in Social, Political and Economic Transformation of the Country”.
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President Attends 12th Empango
2007-09-23
The Kingdom of Tooro marked the 12th coronation (empango) anniversary of the Omukama of Tooro Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi the 4th at the Karuziika (place) in Fort Portal. The annual event is dedicated to celebrating the kingdom’s continuity and peace. President Yoweri Museveni was the chief guest during the celebrations. He warned against mixing politics with the affairs of the kingdom. He said politicians are always being attacked and added that he would not like to see this happening to traditional institutions ..more
“Education For All is For Development” – Museveni
2007-09-20
President Yoweri Museveni has said the government the Education for All programme that has been instituted by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is aimed at promoting and ensuring development for wananchi in Uganda. The President was speaking in a meeting at State House, Nakasero with a visiting delegation of the Commonwealth Secretariat Team of Experts. The delegation was led by the Speaker Emeritus of the Tanzanian National Assembly Rt. Hon. Pius Musekwa. ..more
President Assures On Quality Cotton Products’ Market
2007-09-20
President Yoweri Museveni has said that Uganda has a high potential of producing and processing organic cotton into high quality clothes for export market. The President revealed this at State House, Nakasero during a meeting with a delegation of entrepreneurs from South African based Cool Ideas Company. The delegation was led by Cool Ideas Director Ms. Belinda Edmonds. Mr. Museveni said that Uganda is capable of providing immense opportunities in various fields of production including the beef sector.
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President Receives Assistant Chinese Minister
2007-09-18
President Yoweri Museveni has stressed the need to strengthen further the economic co-operation between the People’s Republic of China and Uganda especially in the agro-processing, textile production, fish processing and information technology sectors The President was speaking during a meeting he held with the visiting Chinese Assistant Minister of Commerce Mr. Fu Ziying. The meeting took place at the President’s Kisozi farm in Mpigi district. Mr. Museveni, who hailed the ever growing excellent bilateral relationship between Uganda and China, said that the country commands a very big agricultural potential and a vast natural resource base. ..more
President Meets Gomba County Leaders
2007-09-15
President Yoweri Museveni has called on Members of Parliament throughout the country to spearhead the campaign against poverty by actively participating in training wananchi using materials from the National Agricultural and Development Services (NAADS) and local extension workers. The President was addressing political and religious leaders from Gomba County in Mpigi district who called on him at his Kisozi farm. Mr. Museveni observed that in the past, a lot of money from NAADS had been spent on training farmers. He, however, stressed that the strategy should change to using the funds for purchasing items like suckers, seeds or fertilizers to empower people to start serious production programmes.
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No Delays On Supply Of Electricity” - Museveni
2007-09-13
President Yoweri Museveni has said that government will not accept any delays in the provision of electricity to the national grid. The President was speaking during a meeting with the visiting World Bank Country Director, Mr. John Murray McIntire at State House, Nakasero. He said work must start on the Karuma power station soon and remain ahead of the national electricity demand. Mr. Museveni also emphasized that Uganda must have a modern railway network to the sea adding that “without fast transport, export costs would remain high”. He emphasized that the World Bank in collaboration with the government of Uganda should concentrate on the construction of durable roads in the country.
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President Fundraises For St. Jude Catholic Church, Bukoto Masaka
2007-09-11
Over Shs.34 million was realized in a fundraising drive held to raise money for the roofing of St. Jude Bukoto Catholic Church in Kabonera sub-county, Masaka district.
President Yoweri Museveni who was the chief guest at the ceremony donated Shs.10 million. The area MP who is also the Speaker of Parliament, the Rt. Hon. Edward Sekandi, the deputy Speaker, the Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadago together with other members of parliament present contributed over six million shillings.
Items mobilized for auctioning by the lay people from the parish together with friends from beyond the parish included 7 cows, 45 goats, 125 chickens, a variety of food stuffs as well as a presidential portrait and Virgin Mary’s picture. ..more
Uganda And DRC Sign Joint Bilateral Agreement
2007-09-09
President Yoweri Museveni and President Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo, last night signed a joint bilateral co-operation agreement aimed at establishing peace and security in both countries and normalizing their relations and strengthening their co-operation. The historic Ngorodoto Agreement was reached after a 2-day special summit convened by the Tanzanian leader President Jakaya Kikwete at Ngorodoto Mountain and Country Club in Arusha. Mr. Kikwete also witnessed the signing of the documents. The landmark agreement covered areas of defence and security, economic co-operation as well as political and diplomatic co-operation. ..more
Uganda & DRC Begin Summit In Arusha
2007-09-08
A special summit on Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) opened in Arusha, Northern Tanzania attended by President Yoweri Museveni and his DRC counterpart President Joseph Kabila.The summit is under the chairmanship of host President Jakaya Kikwete of the United Republic of Tanzania. The summit, held after the 2 heads of state requested President Kikwete to host it, is discussing outstanding issues between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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President Leaves For Arusha Tanzania
2007-09-07
President Yoweri Museveni is in the Northern Tanzania town of Arusha on a 2-day working visit during which he will attend a special summit between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The President was received at Kilimanjaro International Airport by the Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Bernard Membe, Uganda Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Sam Kutesa and Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania Mr. Ibrahim Mukiibi.
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President Urges DRC Not To Harbour Terrorists
2007-09-05
President Yoweri Museveni has urged the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) not to accept being used as ground by groups that are hostile to neighbouring countries. The President made the call at State House, Nakasero during a meeting with a visiting American government delegation led by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Ms Jendayi Frazer. Mr. Museveni urged the DRC to apprehend the Lord’s Resistance Army on its territory to ensure that the group goes to the assembly areas in order to further facilitate the ongoing peace process that is taking place in Juba, Southern Sudan. The President was optimistic that the peace process between the Government of Uganda and the Lord’s Resistance Army would succeed. ..more
“Government To Give Free Legal Services” – Museveni
2007-09-05
President Yoweri Museveni has said that government will avail free legal services to victims of land evictions in order to curb that hideous practice which has rendered many people landless. The President, who is continuing his tour of Luweero Triangle Bonna Bagaggawale sensitization programme, was addressing the people of Kiryabyoya village, Nakitoma Sub-County in Nakasongola district. He also noted that tenants have been evicted from their land by unscrupulous landowners due to ignorance on the part of the tenants. Mr. Museveni clarified that the law stipulates that a tenant who occupied land 12 years before the promulgation of the 1995 constitution, cannot be evicted. ..more
“Zirobwe- Wobulenzi Road To Be Repaired” – Museveni
2007-09-04
President Yoweri Museveni has assured the people of Uganda that government will continue to channel funds to the grass-root level in the country through the Local Government Development Programme LGDP), the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), the Micro-Finance scheme, among others, to assist people increase household income. The President was speaking at two separate rallies held at Kamira Primary School in Kamira Sub-County and at Kiziba Primary School in Kikyusa Sub-county of Bamunanika County in Luweero district. ..more
“Govt. To Follow Up On NAADS Funds” – Museveni
2007-09-01
President Yoweri Museveni has said that government is going to make a follow up of the funds released to sub-counties under the National Agricultural and Advisory Services (NAADS) as a way of ascertaining its proper use. “More money has been sent through NAADS. Government will make a follow up to see that the people trained and facilitated by NAADS put the money to proper use”, said the President to the people of Nakaseke. The President was meeting wananchi of Kirema, Kabugwe and Mijenje villages of Semuto Sub-County in Nakaseke district. Mr. Museveni is currently on a tour of Luweero Triangle to sensitize people on Bonna Bagaggawale programme. ..more
President Tours Wakiso District
2007-08-29
President Yoweri Museveni has said that the rate of growth that Uganda has achieved is a result of the continued support to the NRM government that the people of Luweero Triangle enkindled right from the time of the protracted armed people’s struggle over 20 years ago. The President was addressing people of Kira Town Council, Jjanda village and Nansana-Bujuuko in Wakiso district. Mr. Museveni is on a tour of the district specifically to sensitize the people on the “Bonna Bagaggawale” (Prosperity for All) programme. He gave Shs.10 million each to the people of Jjanda and Nansana – Bujuuko areas to help them start income generating activities. ..more
“UPDF to Help Establish Somali State pillars” – Museveni
2007-08-29
President Yoweri Museveni has said that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF’s) role in Somalia is to help the Somali people restore that country’s State pillars. The President disclosed this during a meeting at State House, Nakasero, with American Senator Ross Feingold who has been in Uganda on a 3-day visit. During his stay in the country, Senator traveled to Gulu district to personally assess the humanitarian situation in Northern Uganda and was able to visit Internally Displaced People Camps (IDPCs) in the area and was impressed by the Government’s intervention measures to assist the people there to resettle.
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President Calls For Agro-Based Industries
2007-08-29
President Yoweri Museveni has called for the establishment of more agro-based processing industries in Uganda. The President made the remark at State House, Nakasero in a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of a Danish company, Apmoeller/Maersk Group, which specializes in the shipping business.
Mr. Museveni urged the group to attract more investors to Uganda to process the abundant agricultural produce, like fruits and foods, into value added products for domestic, regional and international markets. He said that increased volume of processed products would go a long way in reducing the cost of transport to Mombasa Port.
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“Conservation Is A Must” – Museveni
2007-08-27
President Yoweri Museveni has reiterated that sustainable conservation of the fauna and flora of Uganda can only be achieved after the crucial issues of electrification and industrialization have been permanently addressed. The President was closing a 4-day Leadership for Conservation Africa (LCA) Council meeting at Paraa Safari Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park, in newly established Amuru district. The 2nd council meeting that attracted participants from over 15 countries in Africa as well as outside the continent, aimed at bringing together the business community and conservationists to ensure that the environment is conserved in a sustainable way for future generations. ..more
President Meets Austrian Delegation
2007-08-25
President Yoweri Museveni has met a delegation from the Province of Carintia in Austria at State House, Nakasero. The delegation was led by Ms. Olivia Mugabe, a programmes’ director of A – Z Austria – Uganda, based in Austria. The NGO, which trains people in Luweero in income generating activities, is supported by the government of Austria. Among the delegation were Mr. Quendher Peter, Hebein Peter and Runpold Achill from the government of Austria, Carinthia Province, among others, and the representative of the Minister of Agriculture from Carinthia Mr. Martin Joseph. ..more
President Receives DRC Delegation
2007-08-25
President Yoweri Museveni received a delegation from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who called on him at State House, Nakasero. The delegation was led by the DRC Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mr. Mbusa Nyamisi. The President and his visitors discussed matters related to peace and security in both countries. On the issue of petroleum in both countries, President Museveni told the delegation that Uganda has now trained people in that field who have the experience which the government of DRC can share in order not to be cheated by foreign companies during time of exploration.
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No LRA presence in CAR – Bozize
2007-08-23
President Francois Bozize of the Central African Republic has denied any presence of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in his country and added that his government investigated the allegations by media reports and found no truth in them. President Bozize was responding to questions from the press at a joint press conference he held with his host President Yoweri Museveni at State House, Nakasero. Mr. Bozize also informed journalists that his country is currently engaged in resolving internal challenges that might not allow her to send troops to the troubled Darfur region in the Sudan. ..more
President Bozize Lectures Kimaka Army College
2007-08-22
The visiting Central African Republic President Mr. Francois Bozize has underscored the important role played by the army in the maintenance of peace and stability in African nations geared towards development. General Bozize, who was accompanied by his host President Yoweri Museveni, was the guest speaker at the Senior Command and Staff College, Kimaka in Jinja. General Bozize said that for Africa to realize development and her dream of a United States of Africa, the army was very crucial in the process because it is the vanguard of peace and stability that is required to achieve that goal. ..more
President Bozize Arrives In Uganda
2007-08-22
President Francois Bozize of the Central African Republic has started a 2-day state visit to Uganda. President Bozize, who is accompanied by his wife Mrs. Monique Bozize, was received on arrival at Entebbe International Airport this morning by his host President Yoweri Museveni. Others at the airport to receive President Bozize included Minister for Presidency Mrs. Beatrice Wabudeya, that of Security Mr. Amama Mbabazi, of Education and Sports Mrs. Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire and of State for International Affairs Mr. Okello Oryem.
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