President Yoweri Museveni returned to Uganda yesterday after delivering a high-level opportunity lecture to senior officers attending Course No. 28 (2025-2026) at the National Defence College (NDC) in Karen, Nairobi, Kenya.
The address, which focused on the historical and ideological foundations of Uganda’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the broader vision for African unity and prosperity, has sparked widespread discussion across the region.
During his lecture, President Museveni outlined the three historical missions and four ideological principles of the NRM, emphasizing their role in driving prosperity for Uganda and the African continent.
He called on African youth to embrace the “money economy” and actively participate in economic transformation, highlighting the East African Federation as a critical platform for regional integration and development.
A key theme of Museveni’s address was the adoption of Kiswahili as a unifying language for East Africa. He argued that Kiswahili could strengthen regional unity and serve as a “center of gravity” for Africa, fostering greater collaboration and collective identity among African nations.
“The youth must wake up and seize the opportunities of a united East Africa,” Museveni urged, underscoring the need for a shared vision to unlock the continent’s potential.
The lecture, attended by senior military and civilian officers from across the region, was described as a thought-provoking call to action.
“President Museveni’s insights on the role of ideology, unity, and economic integration were a powerful reminder of the work ahead to achieve Africa’s aspirations,” said a senior officer who attended the session.
Museveni’s visit to Kenya comes at a time of growing momentum for the East African Federation, with discussions on deeper political and economic integration gaining traction.
His emphasis on Kiswahili as a tool for unity aligns with ongoing efforts to promote the language as a cornerstone of regional cooperation.
Upon his return to Kampala, President Museveni reiterated his commitment to advancing the NRM’s vision for prosperity and regional unity. “Africa’s future lies in our ability to work together, embrace our shared identity, and build a strong economic foundation,” he said in a brief statement.
Prior to delivering the lecture, President Museveni and his Kenyan counterpart, William Ruto, signed eight Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen bilateral cooperation and drive economic development, building on 17 existing agreements with both leaders expressing commitment to fostering people-to-people ties and regional integration.
Also read: https://plusnews.ug/kenya-and-uganda-sign-eight-mous-to-boost-bilateral-ties-and-economic-growth/
At the event, President Ruto hailed the MoUs as a milestone in deepening the partnership between the two nations. The agreements span key sectors, including tourism, mining, fisheries, agriculture, livestock, transport, standards and quality assurance, and investment promotion, alongside the development of the Greater Busia Metro.
“We are united in our commitment to delivering shared prosperity and working towards a stronger, integrated region,” President Ruto said, emphasizing the agreements’ potential to modernize systems, enhance trade, and address cross-border challenges.
Among the highlights is an MoU on transport and logistics, which aims to improve the movement of people and goods.
President Ruto briefed his counterpart on plans to extend the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Malaba and into Uganda, alongside the dualling of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit road, which will also reach Malaba and continue into Uganda.
In agriculture and livestock, the MoU will enhance cooperation in veterinary services and crop health to bolster food security. The fisheries agreement seeks to unlock the potential of the blue economy, while the Greater Busia Metro Project will support joint infrastructure development across the border.
On mining, the MoU aims to promote responsible mineral exploitation and curb cross-border smuggling.The standards and quality assurance agreement will strengthen collaboration between the Kenya Bureau of Standards and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards to eliminate sub-standard goods and boost trade.
Additionally, the tourism MoU will promote joint marketing, cultural exchange, and eco-tourism.President Ruto raised concerns about non-tariff barriers disrupting trade within the East African Community (EAC), calling for a “principled, practical, and time-bound resolution.”
He noted that upcoming meetings, including the Joint Ministerial Commission Mid-Term Review and the Joint Trade Committee in October 2025, will address these challenges.
The leaders also discussed the Migingo fishing issue, with both reaffirming their commitment to resolving it. President Museveni emphasized the need for consolidated markets and local production capacity across Africa, citing the United States’ prosperity as a model for efficient trade.
In a significant industrial initiative, Presidents Ruto and Museveni announced plans to establish the region’s largest steel factory, a joint venture aimed at reducing reliance on steel imports and boosting exports.
The two leaders reaffirmed their dedication to advancing EAC objectives, including the Customs Union, Common Market, Monetary Union, and Political Federation, signaling a shared vision for a prosperous and integrated East Africa.