By Spy Uganda
Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of Uganda, has renewed calls for deeper African unity, economic integration, and stronger regional security, recalling a final meeting with Tanzania’s founding leader Julius Nyerere during what he described as their “last supper” in Arusha.
Speaking at the 25th Ordinary Meeting of the East African Community Heads of State on March 7, Museveni reflected on discussions he once held with Nyerere about the future of Africa, saying the same challenges and aspirations remain relevant today.
“I recall my last supper with Mwalimu Nyerere here in Arusha,” Museveni told regional leaders. “We discussed the same issues I am sharing with you today.”
The Ugandan leader used the moment to warn that Africa risks “mis-cooking the African revolution” if it fails to pursue unity and strategic cooperation across the continent.
In his address, Museveni introduced a concept from his native language Okukonesa or Kufubya which he described as the act of improperly cooking food due to insufficient heat and time. He used the analogy to illustrate what he sees as Africa’s failure to fully implement the goals of liberation and integration.
According to Museveni, Africa’s past mistakes including disunity, internal conflicts, and resistance to scientific and technological advancement contributed to the continent’s colonization by European powers by the early 20th century.
He noted that by 1900 nearly the entire continent had been colonized, except Ethiopia, which had defeated Italian forces during the Battle of Adwa in 1896.
Museveni argued that while colonialism caused immense damage, Africa’s resilient populations survived and eventually mounted resistance movements that led to independence across the continent.
The Ugandan president credited early Pan-African thinkers such as W. E. B. Du Bois, Marcus Garvey, and George Padmore for inspiring the global anti-colonial movement.
He also highlighted liberation movements and leaders who played critical roles in Africa’s independence, including Kwame Nkrumah, Ahmed Sékou Touré, and Modibo Keïta.
Museveni praised Tanzania for sustaining strong traditions of political and economic integration under Nyerere’s leadership, noting that the country remained a key supporter of African liberation struggles.
At the heart of Museveni’s message was the argument that Africa’s prosperity depends on expanding markets through regional integration.
He said modern economies thrive by producing goods and services for large markets, warning that African countries risk stagnation if they operate in isolation.
Museveni pointed to global economic comparisons to underscore the challenge. Africa’s combined GDP currently stands at about $3.6 trillion, far behind major economies such as the United States, China, and India.
He argued that larger markets have been a key factor behind the economic success of those countries.
“The more buyers you have, the more prosperous you become,” Museveni said, urging East African states to accelerate economic cooperation.
He emphasized the importance of fully implementing agreements under the East African Community, as well as broader continental initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa.
Museveni also stressed the need for political integration to ensure Africa’s long-term security.
He argued that regional federations could strengthen the continent’s ability to defend itself across land, air, sea, and space a necessity in an increasingly complex global security environment.
He noted that only a few nations have achieved major technological milestones such as landing on the moon, suggesting that larger political and economic units have advantages in scientific development and strategic capacity.
The Ugandan leader concluded his speech with a direct appeal to young Africans, urging them to embrace the Pan-African ideals of “Uhuru na Umoja” freedom and unity.
He warned that the lack of economic integration contributes to unemployment and migration pressures, which have seen thousands of African youths risk their lives crossing the Mediterranean Sea in search of opportunities in Europe.
“Africa is still there. We have lost opportunities, but we can catch up,” Museveni said.
As he prepared to chair the EAC Authority for the coming year, Museveni called on regional leaders to recommit to integration efforts and avoid repeating past mistakes.
“What God has put together, man shall not put asunder,” he said, quoting the Bible as he closed his address. “God bless Africa.”
