President Museveni Endorses Raila Odinga's Bid for African Union Commission Chairmanship 

Uganda's President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni endorsed Raila Odinga's candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship at an event held at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. The event, hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto, brought together several prominent African leaders who rallied behind Odinga's bid.

In his speech, President Museveni reflected on his long history of involvement in African liberation movements, stressing the need for accurate political diagnosis to address the continent's ongoing challenges. He emphasized that patriotism and Pan-Africanism are crucial for Africa’s prosperity, warning against internal divisions that have historically weakened African efforts against external threats.

“The role of AUC Chairperson requires vision, conviction, and knowledge,” Museveni said, adding that unity among African leaders is essential for the continent's progress. He also addressed the issue of poverty, describing it as a significant barrier that has stunted Africa's growth and increased dependency since 1965.

Expressing his full support for Raila Odinga’s candidacy, Museveni remarked, "I’m here to support Raila Odinga on behalf of Uganda because he’s a committed Pan-Africanist." He reiterated that leadership should be driven by vision and conviction, not merely career advancement.

President Museveni also called for improved infrastructure and peace as key strategies to achieve unity in the region and across Africa.

Kenyan President William Ruto expressed deep gratitude to the African heads of state who attended the event, urging the continent to rally behind Odinga's bid. He described the candidacy as pivotal for Africa’s pursuit of sustainable peace and shared prosperity, highlighting Odinga’s evolution from a national leader to a continental figure.

In his address, Raila Odinga outlined his vision for a united and prosperous Africa, driven by peace and sustainable growth. “I am a lion in the jungle, sitting on Africa’s resources, ready to transform them into wealth for all Africans,” he stated. Odinga emphasized the importance of intra-African trade, financial independence, and infrastructure development, particularly for landlocked nations.

Odinga also expressed his commitment to mobilizing African nations to tackle conflicts, address climate change, and promote Pan-Africanism. “Pan-Africanism will turn potential into prosperity for generations to come. We must seize the moment for the African Union Agenda 2063,” he said.

The launch event was attended by prominent African leaders, including Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, and Burundi’s Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca. Former Presidents Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania and Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, as well as Rwandan Foreign Affairs Minister Gen. James Kabarebe, who represented President Paul Kagame, also endorsed Odinga’s candidacy.