On October 7, 2026, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni welcomed the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Ms. Shirley Botchwey, to Uganda at State House Entebbe. During the courtesy call, President Museveni expressed his happiness at receiving her and referred to Ms. Botchwey as "our daughter". The meeting focused on strengthening Uganda's cooperation with the Commonwealth and exploring opportunities for Africa's development.
President Museveni emphasized the importance of Africa pursuing greater unity and integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He cautioned against clustering African countries along former colonial associations, stating that the continent's partnerships should be guided by its broader interests. The President encouraged Africa to associate with other trade partners of its choice while maintaining a united front.
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. Additionally, he welcomed the proposal for a youth aspiration fund to support the skilling of Africa's large and youthful population. President Museveni stressed the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge and skills required to participate meaningfully in Africa's socio-economic transformation.
Ms. Botchwey commended President 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 emphasized that 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.
The meeting also discussed the Commonwealth's commitment to working with countries and regions in pursuit of shared development. Ms. Botchwey stated that the organization is working to make the African Continental Free Trade Area work better. The discussions aimed to identify areas of cooperation and collaboration between Uganda, the Commonwealth, and Africa.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Adonia Ayebare, and focused on several key areas, including Africa's integration and self-reliance, trade and investment, climate action, alternative energy development, and opportunities for skilling and empowering Africa's young population. The discussions highlighted the importance of cooperation and collaboration in addressing these challenges.
The courtesy call and meeting with President Museveni mark a significant step in strengthening Uganda's cooperation with the Commonwealth. The discussions demonstrated a shared commitment to promoting Africa's development and self-reliance. Key areas of cooperation include the establishment of a Commonwealth climate fund and a youth aspiration fund to support Africa's development.
Key points
- President Museveni emphasizes Africa's need for greater unity and integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
- 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.
