Museveni rallies EALA MPs on regional integration

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) to ensure that the vision of East African market integration and federation is fully realised.

He warned that failing to handle the region’s economic integration risks East Africa facing the same underdevelopment seen in Latin America, despite its wealth of natural resources.

“Latin America is a very rich part of the world, but you see them on TV walking on foot to go to the United States, which is not as rich in natural resources but is organised. Part of the problem of Latin America is the fragmented market. You, East Africans, are historically very privileged. You should help us solve the problem of market integration,” Museveni said during a special EALA sitting at State House, Entebbe, on Tuesday.

The sitting, which runs from October 21 to November 12, 2024, at State House and Uganda’s Parliament, focuses on regional legislative matters.

In his address, President Museveni underscored the importance of strategic security as another key mission for African freedom fighters, particularly for East Africa.

“If we are to protect our interests, we must establish strategic security. I’ve heard of countries aiming for superiority in land, air, sea, and even space. People are going to the moon, and we are here like ants. Uganda will develop into a first-world country, but we cannot afford a space program like that of larger nations,”

Museveni explained. “This is why, in the 1960s, leaders like Mwalimu Nyerere called for a political federation. Without uniting political and security efforts, even market integration will not be enough to defend ourselves.”

He also advocated for “brotherhood” (Undugu) as a means of fostering prosperity and strategic security, urging the EALA legislators to promote patriotism and Pan-Africanism.

“If you want to achieve prosperity, there is no alternative but to love Uganda and Africa. In the National Resistance Movement (NRM), we have four guiding principles: patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy. These principles will drive prosperity,” Museveni emphasised.

EALA Speaker  Joseph Ntakirutimana praised President Museveni for his leadership, which has been instrumental in expanding the East African Community (EAC) from three countries to eight, thereby strengthening regional economic and technological integration.

“We thank you for your leadership. The EAC has rebranded its strategies to boost our size and influence. Your contributions to political transformation and development across East Africa are highly commendable,” Ntakirutimana said.

The session was also attended by Ugandan Parliament Speaker  Anita Among and NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, among other high-profile guests.