The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, has called on African parliamentarians to move beyond blaming colonialism for the continent’s current challenges and instead focus on collective action to reclaim Africa’s economic independence and natural wealth.
Speaking on Sunday at the closing of the 3rd African Regional Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Emerging Global Challenges, held at the Imperial Resort Beach Hotel in Entebbe, Tayebwa emphasized that more than half a century after independence, the time for excuses is over.
“From the rainforests of the Congo Basin to Nigeria’s oil fields, Ghana’s gold reserves, Tanzania’s rare earth minerals, and the cobalt riches of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa is abundantly endowed with natural resources. Yet, the continent remains mired in poverty. Why does a land so rich remain so poor?” Tayebwa asked.
Tayebwa noted that although Africa holds 60% of the world’s arable land, the continent experienced food shortages when war broke out in Europe between Russia and Ukraine a situation that exposed Africa’s vulnerability and over-reliance on external supply chains.
“We earn very little from our minerals because they are extracted and exported in raw form, without any value addition that could create jobs and wealth here at home,” he said.
Tayebwa urged fellow legislators to take responsibility for shaping Africa’s future.
“We may not be responsible for our past, but we are entirely responsible for our future. We can no longer hide behind the excuse of colonial history,” he stated.
He called for unity and hard work to reclaim Africa’s economic sovereignty.
“As leaders, we must work hard every day and work together to reclaim what history denied us full economic independence and control over our natural resources. Encouraging examples like Botswana and Ghana show that, with transparency and effective mineral management, transformation is possible.” He said
Tayebwa also commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for taking a firm stance on value addition, saying: “I’m glad our President has made it clear that no minerals will leave Uganda in raw form. This policy will ensure we get a fair share of the value. The next step is to ring-fence revenues from these resources for essential services especially infrastructure development, schools, and health facilities starting with communities where extraction takes place.”
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