The Special Envoy for Special Duties in the Office of the President and Prime Minister Emeritus Ruhakana Rugunda has urged the students of Makerere University to continue reflecting on the leadership philosophy of the former President of Ghana Kwame Nkrumah, whom he referred to as the icon for Africa’s self-determination and unity.

According to Rugunda, what sounds most like the name of Nkrumah is his commitment to see Africa determining its destination and, above all, the unity of Africa. Rugunda said Nkrumah realized that Africans were being exploited by the colonialists, and he pioneered the slogan ‘Africa Must Unite’ which compelled him to write books that stirred up Africa’s desire for self-rule.

“Even when he was overthrown, he tried to bring a solution to Africa’s colonization. When he returned to Ghana, he was declared a co-president; a year later, he organized an African conference in Accra and justified the need for the independence of Ghana. He, however, said that the independence of Ghana was meaningless without independence for the whole of Africa. Ghana became a military base for African freedom fighters and pan-Africanists to liberate Africa,” Rugunda said.

He made the remarks during the public lecture held at Makerere University on Friday, September 20, 2024.

“The young generation should contribute to the legacy of Nkrumah by advocating for democracy and unity for Africa to get rid of those who aim at dividing and exploiting Africa. Nkrumah understood that independence without democracy, the prosperity of the African people, and unity was nothing. So he was passionate about integrating Africa,” he said.

Rugunda directed that such events be organized annually for the students of different generations to understand their role in pursuing democracy, pan-Africanism, and independence for Africa.

The UPDF Chief Political Commissar, Maj Gen. Henry Masiko, said Museveni has always told Ugandans and Africans at large to always remember that Africa is a great land because it’s larger than India and the USA, which means it speaks a lot in terms of minerals, and utilization of such resources can be efficient only when Africa unites.

According to Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, the purpose of the lecture was to honor the legacy of Nkrumah and to inspire the young generation to follow the views of Nkrumah to promote a strong Uganda, East Africa, and Africa at large.