President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called for greater African unity and integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), urging the continent to pursue partnerships based on its broader interests rather than former colonial associations.
Museveni made the remarks on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, when he received Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey, who paid a courtesy call on him at State House Entebbe.
The President welcomed Botchwey to Uganda, describing her as “our daughter” and expressing his happiness at receiving her.
Museveni said Africa should associate as a united continent within the framework of AfCFTA while maintaining relations with other trade partners of its choice.
“We should associate with a united Africa in the context of the Continental Free Trade Area and other trade partners of our choice, rather than clustering Africa depending on former colonial association,” Museveni said.
He emphasised the need to continue pursuing Africa’s integration agenda, saying former colonial powers can partner with Africa as long as such partnerships do not interfere with or undermine the continent’s unity and development.
The President also welcomed proposals for the establishment of a Commonwealth climate fund to support the development of alternative sources of energy, including solar, hydro and nuclear power.
He further welcomed a proposal for a youth aspiration fund to support the skilling of Africa’s large and youthful population.
Museveni stressed the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge and skills required to participate meaningfully in Africa’s socio-economic transformation.
Botchwey, who is on a visit to Uganda, commended Museveni’s views on Africa’s development and self-reliance, noting that Africa is a major component of the Commonwealth and should play a central role in shaping its future.
She said the Commonwealth cannot simply look on as challenges facing Africa persist, stressing the need to change the way things are done and promote greater self-reliance on the continent.
Botchwey said the Commonwealth is working to make the African Continental Free Trade Area work better and remains committed to working with countries and regions in pursuit of shared development.
The meeting focused on Africa’s integration and self-reliance, Uganda’s cooperation with the Commonwealth, trade and investment, climate action, alternative energy development, and opportunities for skilling and empowering Africa’s young population.
The meeting was also attended by Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Adonia Ayebare.
Botchwey’s visit to Uganda runs from October 7 to 9 and is her first official visit to the country as Commonwealth Secretary-General. The visit comes ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled for November in Antigua and Barbuda.