Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has expressed dissatisfaction with Japanese partners during a recent address at the NAM conference. President Museveni criticized the Japanese for their perceived lack of wisdom in failing to align with Uganda’s growing business interests, particularly in the automotive sector.
The president revealed his impatience with foreign industrial complexes opting for assembly instead of outright manufacturing within Uganda. Following the week-long Non-Aligned Movement conference, which brings together 120 countries without formal alliances with major power blocs, President Museveni accused the West of neglecting Africa and the global south in terms of aggregate demand.
Addressing the issue of Japanese vehicles in Uganda since 1962, President Museveni expressed frustration, stating, “I told them, you Japanese, we are enriching you with our pockets, why don’t you come and assemble these vehicles in Uganda? They were not interested. I see you want to take blood from me, but you don’t want to give some blood to me.”
While Uganda has made progress in manufacturing homemade electric vehicles, the country remains reliant on foreign-made automobiles. President Museveni dismissed the proposal of Japanese partners to assemble vehicles in Uganda, insisting on a focus on manufacturing.
During his speech, the president highlighted the importance of the Non-Aligned Movement and urged member states to leverage the large market it represents. He emphasized the need for cooperation within the group instead of exploitation, stating, “The NAM countries should not be part of this blindness of thinking I should only buy from you as you buy nothing from me. We should promote trade amongst ourselves because when I buy from you, I’m supporting your prosperity, and when you buy from me, you’re supporting my prosperity.”
Uganda recently hosted the 19th Non-Aligned Movement Summit, which commenced on January 15, 2024. The summit brought together approximately 1500 representatives from around the globe.
