At 82, Museveni Vows Next 18 Years to African Integration

President Yoweri Museveni, now 82 years old, has announced a personal mission for the remainder of his life: to champion African integration. In a birthday message shared on his social media, Museveni expressed hope for an additional 18 years, aiming to reach the age of 100, and to leave a legacy of a united and prosperous Africa.

He outlined three critical historical missions for the continent: achieving prosperity through a common African market, ensuring strategic security via political integration, and fostering brotherhood among Africa’s diverse linguistic groups. Museveni believes that by consolidating markets, wealth creators can expand, and with political unity, Africa can better address threats.

This focus on Pan-Africanism is not new for President Museveni, who has long advocated for continental unity as a pathway to overcoming challenges. This commitment was even reflected in the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) 1984 10-point program, which included a point on cooperation and defending the rights of fellow Africans.

Uganda’s participation in regional bodies like the East African Community (EAC) and its involvement in regional stability efforts are seen as practical steps towards this vision. Museveni has often highlighted that individual national markets are too small for Uganda’s surplus products, emphasizing the need for open borders to facilitate trade and create jobs.

The President also touched upon Uganda’s petroleum import strategy, defending the state-owned Uganda National Oil Company’s (UNOC) role in securing fuel supplies. He detailed cost reductions achieved through a new arrangement, which he credited in part to the influence of Kenyan President William Ruto, and noted Uganda’s share in the Kenyan oil pipeline. Museveni argued that this direct arrangement is more efficient than relying on previous middlemen.

He remains optimistic that prioritizing unity for collective development will make Africa unstoppable.