President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today hosted his granddaughter, Charlene Ruto, and her team at State Lodge, Nakasero, where discussions centred on regional cooperation and value addition as key drivers of Africa’s economic transformation.
In a message shared after the meeting, President Museveni said he and the First Lady welcomed Ms. Ruto for talks on areas of shared interest.
“Maama Janet and I welcomed our Muzzukulu, Charlene Ruto and her team. We discussed areas of cooperation and shared interest,” he said. “I am pleased that she is investing on the continent.”
The President emphasised that Africa’s prosperity depends on processing its raw materials locally rather than exporting them in raw form.
“Africa must process its raw materials locally. How do we create jobs for our young people if we continue exporting raw materials and importing finished goods? That is where there is a big haemorrhage,” Mr. Museveni said.
According to a statement from State House, the meeting focused particularly on advancing value addition in the leather industry as part of broader efforts to promote industrialization and intra-African trade.
President Museveni reiterated his long-standing position that regional collaboration is critical for sustainable development.
“Africa must continue to focus on value addition in order to create jobs and retain wealth within our region,” he noted, adding that stronger regional integration would open up more opportunities for young people.
On her part, Ms. Ruto congratulated the President upon his recent electoral victory and briefed him on her family’s background in business and manufacturing in Kenya.
She said her team is keen on strengthening regional supply chains and deepening cooperation with Uganda. “We are looking at strengthening regional supply chains and expanding cooperation as part of broader efforts to promote intra-African trade,” she said.
Ms. Ruto also revealed that she had earlier met with Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces to explore additional avenues for partnership.
The discussions come at a time when regional leaders are increasingly pushing for industrialisation, value addition, and stronger trade ties within the East African Community and across the continent under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
