Africa-Press – Uganda. President Museveni has called on young people across Africa and the Arab world to embrace the ideology of patriotism and Pan-Africanism, warning that the politics of identity continues to undermine unity and development on the continent.
Speaking at the closure of the Afro-Arab Youth Congress at the Commonwealth Resort in Munyonyo, Museveni said despite Africa’s vast potential, the continent remains held back by confusion and poor management rooted in ideological disorientation.
“You young people need to know that you belong to the future of the world,” Museveni said, adding that Africa’s main problem has never been lack of potential but rather wrong ideological orientation.
“We studied the problems and identified ten strategic bottlenecks that have kept Africa behind. The number one problem is ideological orientation — the problem of understanding what is important,” he stated.
Museveni cited the politics of tribe and religion as major sources of division, describing them as destructive forces that have weakened many African states.
“Some people have been saying that identity is very important; that’s how Sudan was destroyed, by the politics of identity. Here in Uganda, we had the same problem until we came in and said we are for the politics of interests,” he said.
The President explained that focusing on identity undermines efforts to build strong institutions such as the army and political parties, and fragments markets across the continent.
“How will you have a capable national army if you are emphasizing identity in a country of many identities? That’s what is disturbing Somalia where they are fighting for clans,” Museveni said.
He argued that true prosperity can only come from productivity and trade, not dependence on aid.
“If Africa is fragmented into 55 separate markets, how will the business people succeed in their business? Prosperity means having a product and putting it on the market — the more you sell, the more you prosper,” he said.
Calling upon young people to adopt the ideology of patriotism and Pan-Africanism, Museveni said: “Love your country, love the whole of it. You can’t say I’m young but of this tribe. Uganda cannot be prosperous without Africa.”
Kenya’s Vice President, who also addressed the closing session, described the Afro-Arab Youth Congress as a vital bridge for collaboration between Africa and the Arab world.
He noted that the population and innovation potential between the two regions could be harnessed to transform the world.
He reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to the Council’s mission of empowering youth through innovation and amplifying their voices across Africa, the Arab world, and beyond.
“The platform offers an opportunity for youths to discuss and come up with solutions that can shape the future,” he said.
The African Union Commission’s Special Advisor on Youth and Women emphasized that young people are redefining the future of the continent despite ongoing conflicts that continue to displace millions.
“The measure of success will be how youths’ ideas shape decisions and are adopted,” the representative noted.
A delegate from the United Arab Emirates said youth remain the cornerstone of national development and expressed the UAE’s commitment to empowering them as “drivers of transformation and the drivers of tomorrow.”
“This conference is a testament to the deep roots between the Arab countries and the African continent. We must stand united against violence and see this as a new beginning and a launch pad for a brighter future,” he said.
The Afro-Arab Youth Congress brought together leaders and youth representatives from Africa and the Arab world to strengthen collaboration, promote innovation, and build a shared vision for sustainable development across the two regions.
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