Museveni Champions Collective Action at CHOGM 2024: Harnessing 2.5 Billion Strong
By The Public Lens
President Yoweri Museveni has issued a rallying call to the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, urging leaders to tap into the immense potential of the organization’s 2.5 billion people to tackle pressing global challenges.
“We must utilize this vast convergence of ideas, practices, and strategies to address urgent global issues such as poverty alleviation, wealth creation, peace, environmental sustainability, and public health in the face of pandemics,” he emphasized.
Museveni, renowned for his agricultural expertise, cited Uganda’s progress in milk consumption as a testament to untapped potential, noting that the country’s per capita milk intake has risen from 18 to 60 liters annually, still short of the World Health Organization’s recommended 210 liters.
“This clearly indicates the untapped potential,” Museveni remarked, adding, “By extending this analogy to other essential sectors like protein sources, steel production, textiles, and energy, among others, one can discern the inefficient manner in which human consumption levels are currently being managed.”
At the CHOGM 2024 opening ceremony in Apia, Samoa, Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo delivered Museveni’s statement, challenging attendees to leverage the collective purchasing power of the global population, starting with the Commonwealth.
Museveni acknowledged the UK’s support in funding infrastructure projects, such as the Hoima International Airport, and various value addition initiatives in Uganda, while also recognizing Indian private sector contributions to establishing factories and commercial ventures, generating employment and tax revenues.
Despite these efforts, Museveni emphasized that substantial untapped potential remains in business opportunities, particularly considering per capita consumption levels.
Reflecting on his 1987 meeting with Queen Elizabeth II, Museveni highlighted the Commonwealth’s unique nature, where linguistic barriers are absent, and shared governance principles prevail, including one person, one vote through secret balloting and separation of powers.
Vice President Alupo commended Prime Minister Naomi and the Samoan people for hosting the event, expressing gratitude for the warm reception of the Ugandan delegation.
Alupo acknowledged the relevance of the CHOGM theme, “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming Our Commonwealth,” focusing on addressing current global challenges and opportunities for transformation
