Published on 10/10/2025
President Yoweri Museveni has urged young people from Africa and the Arab world to embrace the principles of patriotism and Pan-Africanism, warning that the politics of identity continues to divide and slow down the continent’s progress.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Afro-Arab Youth Congress held at the Commonwealth Resort in Munyonyo, Museveni said that although Africa possesses immense potential, it remains hindered by confusion and poor leadership stemming from ideological disorientation.
“You young people need to know that you belong to the future of the world,” Museveni said, emphasizing that Africa’s greatest challenge is not a lack of potential but rather “wrong ideological orientation.”
He noted that his government had identified ten strategic bottlenecks holding back Africa’s development, with the foremost being the lack of proper ideological direction. “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.
The President criticized the politics of tribe and religion, saying they have been a source of conflict and disunity across the continent. “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.
Museveni explained that when identity politics takes precedence, it weakens vital national structures such as the army and political parties, while also fragmenting markets across Africa. “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,” he said.
He added that Africa’s prosperity depends on productivity and trade, not foreign 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,” Museveni said.
Calling upon youth to embrace unity and collective purpose, the President urged them to champion both patriotism and Pan-Africanism. “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,” he said.
Kenya’s Vice President, who also addressed the gathering, hailed the Afro-Arab Youth Congress as a vital platform for fostering cooperation between Africa and the Arab world. He said the two regions share vast population and innovation potential that can be harnessed to drive global transformation. “The platform offers an opportunity for youths to discuss and come up with solutions that can shape the future,” he said, reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to empowering young people and amplifying their voices across both regions.
The African Union Commission’s Special Advisor on Youth and Women applauded the determination of African youth in shaping the continent’s destiny despite ongoing conflicts. “The measure of success will be how youths’ ideas shape decisions and are adopted,” the representative noted.
A delegate from the United Arab Emirates echoed the importance of youth empowerment, describing young people as “drivers of transformation and the drivers of tomorrow.” He added, “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.”
The Afro-Arab Youth Congress convened leaders, policymakers, and youth delegates from both regions to strengthen cooperation, promote innovation, and advance a shared vision for sustainable development between Africa and the Arab world.
