President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has hosted the 12th Summit of the Regional Oversight Mechanism (ROM) of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Great Lakes Region.
This high-level summit convened Heads of State and Government to assess progress and forge new strategies aimed at achieving lasting peace, stability, and shared prosperity across the region.
In his keynote address, President Museveni delivered a compelling analysis of Africa’s historical challenges and outlined a visionary path forward.
He emphasized the region’s shared destiny and called for ideological clarity, economic integration, and greater self-reliance.
“Before colonialism, our kings made mistakes. They failed to unite us and instead fought shallow wars. That’s how the foreigners conquered us,” the President stated. “Today, if we are to build lasting peace in the Great Lakes, we must overcome tribalism, reject external manipulation, and commit to a clear ideology rooted in African interests and unity.”
He reflected on the resilience of African societies and the emergence of resistance movements such as the ANC in 1912.
He also cautioned against the interference of foreign actors lacking a deep understanding of the region’s history.
“When outsiders come in with partial knowledge, they often worsen the situation. Real peace cannot be imposed; it must be built from within through truth, ideology, and people-centred governance,” he noted.
President Museveni further stressed the importance of regional cooperation and economic integration as drivers of sustainable development and peace.
“If the governments of Congo and Rwanda had remained closely aligned within the East African Community, we would have solved this problem together. We must build regional markets, not walls,” he urged.
The summit underscored the complex but surmountable nature of the challenges facing the DRC and the wider region. With strong political will, honest introspection, and a united approach, the Great Lakes Region can be transformed into a zone of peace, security, and inclusive growth.
Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to regional peacebuilding efforts and called on all stakeholders, governments, civil society and international partners to act in good faith, guided by shared values and a firm belief in Africa’s capacity to shape its own destiny.
