President Yoweri Museveni has described the visit of President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo as ‘very important because it goes to the heart of Africa’s future’.
“It is clear that he understands where prosperity of the people comes from. Modern prosperity comes from business. If we have factories, we sell more and expand and also provide goods and services for the population. Africa imports a lot from China, Japan and India. Such goods should be made here,” he said.
The President was responding to H.E. Tshisekedi’s call for economic cooperation and his embrace of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) that is aimed at stimulating economic growth; generating employment and facilitating the movement of goods and services.
“When we produce, we supply goods and services to the population, create jobs for our youth and generate taxes for governments to build roads, hospitals and provide security. Without business, there can be no prosperity, no jobs, no infrastructure and no security. Am happy to see that President Tshisekedi is clear on these issues,” he said.
The President was yesterday speaking during a joint press conference held at State House Entebbe shortly after bilateral talks between the two leaders. He said this was the second time that President Tshisekedi, who was on a two-day State visit, had come to Uganda since he was elected and promised to rectify the imbalance by visiting Kinshasa. He said they had a serious discussion on many issues including the increase in trade and investments between the two countries.
“We are going to improve road infrastructure including the Mpondwe-Beni road, Goli-Bunia Road, Bunagana-Rutshuru-Goma road and the bridge across river Semuliki to Bunya. These will improve trade, social issues and will guarantee security,” he said.
Before they addressed the media, the two leaders witnessed the signing of memorandums of understanding in security, infrastructure, transport and tourism by Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sam Kutesa and the Congolese Deputy Prime Minister who is also the Minister of Justice, Celestine Tunda ya Kasende.
President Tshisekedi thanked President Museveni for the invitation to visit Uganda and said he had known him even before he came to power.
“I thank my elder, President Museveni, from the bottom of my heart. I know who he is, his vision for the region and for Africa. Am aware of his other vision of integration and prosperity of Africa. I would like to say that his vision tallies with mine. Am here to see how to push this vision further. I wish him a long life and a long relationship between the people of Uganda and D.R. Congo,” he said.
Later, the two leaders issued a joint communiqué which said they discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest including the promotion of Uganda Airlines, peace and security.
President Tshisekedi and his spouse the First Lady of DR Congo Madame Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi were then hosted to a state dinner by President Museveni and the First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni.
