Continental economic integration will drive global prosperity — Museveni
Museveni emphasised that sustainable prosperity is built on linking producers to consumers, supported by infrastructure, peace, skills development, and affordable finance.
President Museveni (C) poses for a photo with investors from UK's West Minister Africa Business Association and the South Asia Chamber of Commerce from India who met him at State House, Entebbe on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. (PPU)
___________________
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has emphasised the importance of continental economic integration as a pathway to shared global prosperity.
Describing Africa as the “next big business centre of the world”, he said the continent’s growing population and improving health outcomes present unprecedented economic opportunities.
Museveni made the remarks on Monday while hosting a high-level UK–India–Uganda Multi-Sectoral Trade Delegation at State House, Entebbe.
The delegation comprised members of the Westminster Africa Business Association (WABA), led by CEO Laurence Robertson, and the South Asia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI), led by chairman Mahendrasinh Jadeja.
The British High Commissioner to Uganda, Lisa Chesney, also attended the meeting.
Discussions focused on strengthening trade, investment, and manufacturing partnerships among the UK, India, and Uganda.
Museveni emphasised that sustainable prosperity is built on linking producers to consumers, supported by infrastructure, peace, skills development, and affordable finance.
He highlighted Uganda’s strategic position as a stable gateway to East Africa and the wider African market under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting access to a domestic market of nearly 50 million people, 300 million people in East Africa, 600 million people in COMESA, and a continental market of over 1.5 billion people.
The Ugandan leader called for accelerated infrastructure development through public-private partnerships and outlined priority investment areas, including manufacturing supported by affordable electricity, low-cost financing through the Uganda Development Bank, and improved transport networks such as regional railway links and oil pipeline infrastructure.
He reiterated that while Uganda has abundant raw materials, it seeks capital, technology, and knowledge partnerships to add value and expand production.
President Museveni meeting investors from UK's West Minister Africa Business Association and those from South Asia Chamber of Commerce based in India at State House, Entebbe on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. (PPU)
The UK delegation commended Uganda’s long-standing peace and stability, reaffirming strong bilateral ties.
The UK has invested over £1.3b (sh6.3 trillion) in Uganda, with an additional £1b (sh4.8 trillion) in the pipeline.
New initiatives under the Ambition for Ten-fold Growth Strategy include support for agricultural exports, power transmission infrastructure, and nationwide solar-powered irrigation systems.
Investors, West Minister Africa Business Association in the UK and the South Asia Chamber of Commerce from India, during a meeting with President Museveni at State House, Entebbe on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. (PPU)
The British Chamber of Commerce Uganda was recognised for promoting trade and investment linkages, now comprising 59 members across 17 sectors and employing more than 21,000 Ugandans.
The SACCI delegation expressed readiness to facilitate joint ventures in manufacturing, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, ICT, logistics, tourism infrastructure, and youth skills development, while mobilising Indian manufacturing networks and engaging UK capital markets.
The three parties agreed to develop a formal tripartite framework to fast-track trade and investment collaboration.
The delegation, which has spent a week in Uganda, also held engagements with Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, senior finance ministry officials, and leaders in key productive sectors.