President Museveni’s Birthday Message – 17th September 2024On his 80th birthday, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni addressed Ugandans and Africans, expressing gratitude to those who congratulated him.

In his message, he shared his birthday wish, deeply rooted in the Pan-African vision and ideals.

Key Points from President Museveni’s Message:

1. Pan-Africanist Vision: President Museveni called upon Ugandans and fellow Africans to work diligently towards the realization of the dream held by Pan-Africanists.This dream includes the creation of the East African Political Federation and strengthening the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

2. Three Historical Missions: Prosperity: Ensuring wealth creation and prosperity for Africans by creating a large market for African products.Strategic Security: Addressing all security threats by establishing robust defense systems for land, sea, air, and space.

Brotherhood of African Peoples: Fostering unity and collaboration to secure both prosperity and strategic security across Africa.

3. Acknowledgment of African Elders: Museveni praised historical African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Jomo Kenyatta, and others who struggled for African unity and development. He also acknowledged the continued efforts by current and future generations to carry forward the Pan-Africanist legacy.

4. Reflection on African Independence: President Museveni reflected on Mwalimu Nyerere’s offer for Uganda and Kenya to delay independence in order to form a unified East African nation. He expressed regret over not having seized the opportunity for a united East Africa at the time.

5. Warning about Africa’s Future: Museveni warned that if African countries do not pursue unity, Africa might end up resembling Latin America, with divisions hindering its progress, rather than becoming a “United States of Africa.

Conclusion: President Museveni’s message reaffirms his long-standing commitment to Pan-Africanism, highlighting the need for African unity, security, and economic prosperity.

His reflection on missed historical opportunities serves as a call to action for the current generation to ensure Africa’s strategic and economic integration for a stronger, more united future.