Politics 13 May 2026 State House (Uganda)
Museveni: African Parties Must Focus on Wealth and Jobs for True Independence
President Yoweri Museveni has urged African political parties to prioritize wealth creation, science, technology, and job generation as essential steps towards overcoming poverty and securing the continent's independence. He highlighted that economic strength is crucial for sustaining political freedom. Source: https://statehouse.go.ug/president-museveni-urges-african-political-parties-to-prioritize-wealth-and-job-creation
Speaking at a dinner following his inauguration, President Yoweri Museveni emphasized the need for African political parties to shift their focus towards tangible economic development. He noted that historical ties through anti-colonial struggles should now translate into shared efforts for economic liberation.
President Museveni stated that a “shallow analysis” of Africa’s past is insufficient. Instead, he called for a deeper understanding of how the continent “missed the bus of history” and urged the sharing of experiences to harness nature through science and technology for poverty eradication.
He cautioned that weak economies leave African nations vulnerable to external influence. “If our economies do not perform well, then we shall become vulnerable again,” Museveni warned, stressing that political freedom alone cannot sustain a society without economic strength.
Vice President Jessica Alupo echoed these sentiments, congratulating Museveni and highlighting the importance of wealth and job creation for the relevance of political organizations. She pointed to government programs like the Parish Development Model as tools to support communities in commercial agriculture and small-scale industries, emphasizing that governments cannot create all jobs alone.
Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro, Secretary General of Tanzania’s CCM, commended Uganda for its Pan-African solidarity and praised Museveni’s inauguration. She agreed that African political parties must collaborate on economic transformation, industrialization, and job creation to improve citizens’ livelihoods.
Richard Todwong, Secretary General of Uganda’s NRM, welcomed delegates, symbolizing the shared historical and ideological connections among African liberation movements. He reaffirmed the NRM’s commitment to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity across Africa through cooperation with sister parties.