President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on African nations to take charge of their development agendas through home-grown solutions and regional integration.
He noted that while external support can be helpful, it should not be seen as a guarantee for sustainable progress in Africa.
The President made these remarks today while officiating at the 11th Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-11) at the Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo, Kampala.
The three-day forum, held from April 9th to 11th, is under the theme: “Driving job creation and economic growth through sustainable, inclusive, science, and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063.”
The ARFSD is an annual platform convened by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in collaboration with the African Union and host governments.
During the event, the President was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, and H.E. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
President Museveni recounted a recent disagreement between Uganda and some Western countries following the enactment of legislation concerning homosexuality.
He noted that the United States removed Uganda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) list, and the World Bank halted its loans, among other supportive ventures from European countries.
Despite this, Uganda’s economy has remained steadfast, with an annual growth rate of 6%.
According to the President, Uganda’s resilience amid global criticism demonstrates that the country, and indeed Africa, can achieve progress even in the absence of external aid.
The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Amina Mohammed, also called on African leaders and stakeholders to confront the hard truths surrounding development financing and to adopt courageous, home-grown solutions to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.
On his part, Mr. Claver Gatete, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, applauded Uganda’s development efforts and President Museveni’s unwavering commitment to Africa’s broader priorities.
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