President Museveni has urged young people across Africa and the Arab world to embrace ideology, unity, and innovation as essential drivers of peace and prosperity.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Afro-Arab Youth Congress in Munyonyo, Museveni noted that Africa’s population, currently at 1.5 billion, is projected to reach 2.5 billion within the next 30 years, positioning the continent as a cornerstone of global growth.
“Young people, you are the future of the world. The Afro-Arab region holds that future,” he declared.
He noted that Africa’s favourable climate, while a blessing, also fosters challenges such as tsetse flies and malaria.
“Africa’s climate is ideal, but it also supports our adversaries like tsetse flies and malaria,” he remarked, calling on young innovators to develop homegrown solutions to these issues.
He stressed that political weakness often arises from prioritising identity over shared interests and cautioned that political parties rooted in tribal or sectarian divisions cannot foster strong national movements.
“How can a party emphasising tribes win elections?” he questioned, warning that such divisions undermine nations.
Museveni also launched a fundraising campaign for the Afro-Arab Youth Congress to bolster youth empowerment initiatives across Africa and the Arab world.
Chido Cleopatra Mpemba, Special Envoy to the African Union Chairperson on Youth and Gender Issues, commended Museveni for amplifying women’s and youth voices in leadership.
“We thank President Museveni for championing women. Uganda sets a continental example with women in top roles, including the Vice President, Prime Minister, and several key ministers,” she said.
Kenya’s Deputy President, Kithure Kindiki, hailed the congress as a vital platform for fostering understanding and cooperation between Africa and the Arab world.
“Young people are driving enterprise and innovation. They are not just tomorrow’s leaders. They are today’s,” he said.
The UAE delegation underscored its belief in youth as catalysts for change.
“We see youth as changemakers,” they stated. “In the UAE, we launched a national youth agenda to empower young people to shape the future. Dear youth, your passion and energy can transform our world.”
Abdul Haddi Lahweej, the president of the Afro-Arab Youth Congress, emphasised the shared destiny of Africa and the Arab world.
“Arab and African nations are neighbours facing similar challenges,” he said.
“How can Africa, so rich in resources, still be poor? We must accelerate and rethink how we do business to catch up with the world.”
