Museveni Urges Youth to Promote East African Integration
Museveni Urges Ugandan Youth to Prioritize East African Integration for Economic Future
Mbale,Uganda - President Yoweri museveni is making a direct appeal to Uganda’s youth,urging them to shift their focus from what he deems unproductive activities - like excessive political debate and foreign sports – to championing deeper political and economic integration within East Africa. The call came during a media engagement on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the State Lodge in Mbale, as Museveni outlined the core tenets of his National Resistance Movement (NRM) manifesto for the 2026-2031 term. He frames regional unity as crucial for securing Africa’s economic future in a competitive global landscape.
Museveni highlighted the significant surplus in Ugandan production across key sectors, demonstrating the limitations of relying solely on the domestic market. He cited the dairy industry as a prime example, with annual production of 5.3 billion liters against a domestic demand of only 800 million liters. Similar surpluses exist in sugar, maize, and cement. This oversupply necessitates access to larger markets, making regional integration vital.
“Where will you sell what you produce? and if the internal market of Uganda is enough, why would the chinese, who have a market of 1.4 billion, be looking for markets here?” Museveni questioned, directly addressing the young people present.
The president’s vision is anchored in seven core pillars of the NRM’s 2026-2031 manifesto:
* Peace
* growth
* Wealth Creation
* Job Creation
* Expanding Services
* Expanding markets
* Political Federation of East Africa
He stressed the interconnectedness of these pillars,with market expansion and political federation serving as the foundation for sustained economic growth.
To illustrate the importance of unified markets, Museveni drew a ancient parallel to the unification of Germany in the 19th century.He argued that Germany’s fragmented state – comprised of 39 kingdoms – hindered its economic development until unification created a larger, more competitive economy. He warned that continued fragmentation in Africa risks stagnation, posing an existential threat. “Are you going to survive in this world, or will you just disappear like the Red Indians?” he rhetorically asked.
The President’s emphasis on East African integration isn’t new, but the direct appeal to youth is a notable tactic. Uganda, like many African nations, faces the challenge of a young, increasingly educated population demanding economic opportunities. Museveni is attempting to channel that energy towards a long-term goal – regional economic dominance – rather than what he perceives as unproductive dissent. The success of this strategy hinges on whether the youth believe the benefits of integration will be tangible and accessible to them. The current state of the east African Community (EAC), while functional “sometimes well, sometimes not” as the President admits, needs significant strengthening to deliver on the promise of a truly unified market.The political hurdles to full federation remain ample, requiring a level of commitment and compromise that has been historically difficult to achieve.
– ahmedhassan
The following table illustrates Uganda’s agricultural production surplus (data as of 2024,cited by the President):
| Commodity | Annual production (Millions of Liters/Tonnes) | Domestic Demand (Millions of Liters/Tonnes) | Surplus (Millions of Liters/Tonnes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milk | 5,300 | 800 | 4,500 |
| Sugar | 600,000 | 350,000 | 250,000 |
| Maize | 4,000,000 | 2,500,000 | 1,50 |