President Yoweri Museveni expressed concern over the enduring philosophical and ideological challenges within the Commonwealth, emphasizing the need to address strategic shallowness and chauvinism among some members.
Museveni highlighted the remarkable progress humanity has made through innovations such as fire, iron, agriculture, AI, and vaccines.
“Instead of using these human progress for the benefit of all, some actors out of greed and philosophical and ideological strategic shallowness, miscalculate and seek to monopolize knowledge and also use knowledge to oppress others for example, the iron tools were used for oppression, the gunpowder, the aircraft, the nuclear weapons etc, were used for the same,” Museveni added.
He further underscored the importance of utilizing these advancements for the collective benefit, urging against greed-driven monopolization of knowledge that historically led to oppression.
Speaking at the 27th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) in Kampala on Thursday, Museveni called for global leaders to lead by example rather than manipulating or lecturing other societies.
He also emphasized the significance of respecting the dignity of all individuals for a peaceful and rapid global progress.
The conference, running from January 3-6, aims to promote impartiality, fairness, and parliamentary democracy understanding.
Rt. Hon. Anita Among, the Speaker of Parliament, highlighted the historical significance of hosting CSPOC in Kampala, expressing confidence in leveraging the conference to enhance equity, inclusivity, democratization, good governance, and the rule of law within the Commonwealth.
Established in 1969, CSPOC serves as a platform for parliamentary leaders. Canada has supported CSPOC with a secretariat since its inception.
The event was attended by Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, Second Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Moses Ali, ministers, members of parliament, and other dignitaries.
