President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged African countries to prioritise continental integration and pursue partnerships based on Africa’s broader interests, rather than grouping themselves according to former colonial associations.

Museveni made the remarks on Wednesday, October 7th, 2026, President Museveni during a meeting with the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Botchwey, who paid a courtesy call on the President at State House Entebbe.

The President said Africa should strengthen unity and integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while maintaining relations with other trade partners of its choice.

“We should associate with a united Africa in the context of the Continental Free Trade Area and other trade partners of our choice, rather than clustering Africa depending on former colonial association,” Museveni said.

He noted that former colonial powers could continue partnering with Africa, provided such relationships support rather than undermine the continent’s unity and development.

Museveni also welcomed proposals for the establishment of a Commonwealth climate fund to support investment in alternative sources of energy, including solar, hydropower and nuclear energy.

He further backed a proposed youth aspiration fund aimed at supporting skills development among Africa’s growing young population.

The President emphasised the need to equip young people with relevant knowledge and skills to enable them to contribute to Africa’s socio-economic transformation.

Botchwey, who is visiting Uganda, commended President Museveni’s views on Africa’s development and self-reliance, saying Africa, as a major component of the Commonwealth, should play a central role in shaping the organisation’s future.

She said the Commonwealth could not remain on the sidelines as Africa confronted persistent development challenges, calling for changes in the way development is approached and greater self-reliance on the continent.

Botchwey said the Commonwealth was working to strengthen the implementation of the AfCFTA and remained committed to working with countries and regions to advance shared development objectives.

The meeting also discussed Uganda’s cooperation with the Commonwealth, trade and investment, climate action, alternative energy development, and opportunities to equip and empower Africa’s young population.

The meeting was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Adonia Ayebare.