President Yoweri Museveni has said that the coming of the world economies under their grouping Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) is the new dawn for countries to enjoy their freedoms and independence.
The President says that while the human race has been struggling with nature and its effects like disease, hunger, droughts, floods and earthquakes among others, it is also facing oppression from fellow men resulting in unnecessary interruptions caused by imperialism, feudalism and other forms of dictatorships.
He said that some actors have taken advantage of the imbalances in technology advancement and the economies to continue oppressing developing countries.
Uganda is currently facing threats of financial cuts from the World Bank and other Western Countries over the Anti- Homosexuality Act and believes that there shouldn’t be any interference in ideologies and way of life for partnership and engagement with other countries.
“In the fight for the emancipation of man from oppression of man by fellow men, we should respect the choices of the different nations and countries,” Museveni said in his speech delivered by Vice President Jessica Alupo at the 15th BRICS Summit that ended last evening at the Sandton Convention Center.
President Museveni noted that BRICS countries provide a platform for justice, equality and respect for the independence of other countries; adding that Uganda, supports the efforts of the BRICS Countries and, at the right time, will want to join. He equally urged other actors to demonstrate conduct that influences people by exemplary leadership not by coercion or manipulation.
BRICS started in 2001 as BRIC, an acronym coined by Goldman Sachs for Brazil, Russia, India, and China. South Africa was added in 2010 with major objectives of enhancing economic cooperation and trade among the member countries, promoting sustainable development and inclusive growth and facilitating political cooperation and mutual understanding among member countries.
The summit in Johannesburg resolved to have Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates become full members of BRICS next year, according to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Media Briefing on Thursday.
Although the summit raised concern over the ongoing conflicts in some countries, it encouraged multilateral financial institutions and international organisations to play a constructive role in building global consensus on economic policies.
The summit also noted that there is global momentum for the use of local currencies, alternative financial arrangements and alternative payment systems, among other resolutions. Alupo says that Uganda’s participation in the Summit underscores its commitment to fostering closer ties and pursuing collaborative partnerships at the regional and global levels.
This is aimed at actively contributing to initiatives that promote inclusive growth, innovation, and the overall well-being of Ugandans, according to the press statement issued by the Department of Public Diplomacy at the Uganda High Commission – Pretoria.
