Kampala, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni has in a defiant addressdeclared Uganda’s economic resilience, asserting that the nation has thrived despite what he characterized as attempts by Western powers to undermine its progress.
Speaking at the 11th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, Museveni highlighted Uganda’s 6% economic growth, presenting it as a direct rebuke to international pressures.
“We faced significant challenges. After passing our law, they cut us off. They thought they could cripple us. But they were wrong! Our economy still grew by 6%!” the President said.
Museveni attributed this growth to Uganda’s internal strengths, emphasizing the diversification of its economy through agriculture, industry, services, and ICT. He portrayed Uganda’s success as a testament to Africa’s potential for self-reliance, challenging the traditional dependence on foreign aid.
“They thought they could dictate our path,” Museveni stated, “but we have shown them that Africa can forge its own destiny.”
While Museveni’s speech carried a strong message of defiance, other leaders at the forum also addressed the challenges facing Africa’s development.
UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed highlighted the burden of debt servicing, and Canadian Ambassador Robert Keith Rae spoke against “unnecessary attacks on global trade.”
However, the central narrative of the event, as framed by Museveni’s remarks, was one of triumph over adversity. The message was clear: Uganda, and by extension, Africa, could achieve economic success despite external pressures. The 6% growth figure was presented as irrefutable proof, a “SHOCKING” result that “proves haters wrong.”
