The President emphasised the need to ensure that economic growth translates into improved household incomes, citing government programmes such as Operation Wealth Creation and the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“Can you have a strong army and a strong and safe country without a strong economy? Can you have a strong defence force and a strong and safe country without cohesive politics? Finally, can you have a strong defence force and a strong and safe country without, in some cases, addressing the issue of geo-strategic location such as being landlocked?” President Museveni asked.
Even amidst the language barriers, the brew acted as a unifying force; Swahili was spoken among the Kenyan delegates, prompting participation from others, especially those with some knowledge of the language. Elders and younger attendees alike enjoyed the shared experience, deepening their cultural connections.