Integration is a key element in realizing economic development in Africa.
While addressing students at Kenyatta University, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni highlighted that it is important to eradicate fragmentation in Africa. While this is true, the biggest question is; will this be achieved?
Well, it is hard to believe that integration in Africa will become a reality one day. This is due to the fact that leaders like President Museveni have been in leadership for many years and integration is far from being realized. Instead, what is being witnessed in most parts of Africa is the oppression of the poor through bad leadership. Some good examples are Zimbabwe, Central African Republic, and Uganda.
The effects of bad leadership are evident. For instance, President Museveni was heckled by Kenyatta University student in Kenya, while addressing the same issue of fragmentation. This is a clear indication that the Ugandan head of state personally lacks support from some groups in the East Africa region like the youth. The students identified Museveni is a tyrant as Bobi Wine chants could be heard when he started lecturing.
Well, with such trends in society, it is hard to believe that we will achieve integration. What was witnessed at Kenyatta University is a clear indication that there are other essential issues in the East African Community (EAC) to be ironed out. I believe it was a clear message to the leaders.
Support of the incident from community leaders shows that people are wounded. A vocal youth leader, Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili famously known as Babu Owino supported the heckling incident through a post in his Facebook account. It is high time we focus on issues tearing the EAC apart.
Time will tell whether the message had an impact.
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