President Yoweri Museveni has asked African countries to desist from the habit of importing products that are produced by fellow African countries.
The president’s message was delivered by the Prime Minister Rt Hon Nabbanja during the 60th anniversary celebrations for African Unity (AU) at Kololo independence grounds.
In May 1963, 32 Heads of independent African States met in Addis Ababa Ethiopia to sign the Charter creating Africa’s first post-independence continental institution, The Organization of African Unity (OAU).
In his message President Museveni says that African countries should not import products from developed countries which are produced by fellow African countries in plenty.
The president says that African countries should support each other instead of donating to already developed economies.
President Museveni paid tribute to the fore-fathers who brought the idea of forming the OAU and challenged the current leaders to support efforts of uniting African countries especially in trade.
During the 60th Anniversary celebrations, Grace Kabayo, the Secretary General of Pan African Women Organization (PAWO) says that governments in African need to declare the African Unity day a public holiday so that people can celebrate it.
Various speakers echoed the need for fast tracking African integration.
The day was marked under the theme “Acceleration of Africa continental Free Trade Area Implementation to ensure the economic independence of Africa”
Africa Day is intended to celebrate and acknowledge the success of the organization of African Unity (OAU now AU) from its creation on May 25th 1963, in the fight against colonialism and apartheid.
The celebrations were graced by delegates from different countries.