Africa must use its resources for self-sustainability - Kutesa

WAKISO - Africa has the capacity to avoid foreign dependence if the available resources are adequately tapped, foreign affairs minister Sam Kutesa has said.

The continent has all the resources to be self-sustaining instead of depending on donor support, he added.

He said this on African Day, an event marked at Vienna College Namugongo, in Wakiso district and attracted several foreign diplomats and ambassadors.

This year's event rode on the theme ‘Agenda 2063, Harnessing Demographic Dividends'.

"Now that Africa is liberated from colonialism, it is time to seriously embark on economic liberation to promote development, fight poverty and improve people's livelihoods. I am sure this can be done without foreign support if we are united," the minister told New Vision on the sidelines of the event.

"We must see how we benefit from our resources through strong collaborations. Without unity many African countries will remain backward and continue depending on foreign aid."

 
Kutesa, former president of the UN General Assembly, said Africa has a rich heritage that can be tapped into for economic development and create employment for its people.

He said Africa needs to take control of its destiny by doing things differently, like value addition to its products, develop the productive capacity through infrastructure and energy development, addressing the root causes of conflict and strengthening integration.

African Day reminds us of the struggles of our forefathers which they endured to secure independence and dignity, he added.

The day was initiated by African leaders in 1963 in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

What he said: 

• "We have a huge resource and gifted continent, but inhabited by mainly poor people. I believe that with devoted and dedicated leadership, we can strengthen and take our countries forward

• African unity focuses on eradicating the remaining forms of colonialism, ensuring self-determination of all Africans, promoting the political, social, economic integration and ensuring peace and security on the continent

• Leaders need to be committed towards Africa's renaissance.

• Change in population has a direct effect on political, social and economic policies for each country

 Minister Kutesa planted a commemmoration tree at the school

According to a report by the African Development Bank on African demographic Change 2012, Africa's population is estimated to reach at 1.6bn by 2030 with a life expectancy rising to 64 years compared to 57 years in 2010.

Kutesa said with a bulk of Africa being a young population, leaders must be mindful, stressing that the population explosion will pause tremendous challenges if not properly planned for. "It is just 14 years to 2030," he added.

Kutesa cited challenges like inadequate poor health care for children and the elderly, inadequate poor health facilities, and unemployment, saying they must be addressed now.

The Rwandan High Commissioner to Uganda and also Dean of African Group, Gen Frank Mugambage said this is a time to reflect on the struggle for the African's emancipation and end colonial occupation to embark on building a better future.

"We need to provide quality education and build a culture of hard work and broadening the creativity capability among our youth," he said.

Here, Kutesa interacts with the Dean of African Group Gen. Frank Mugambage (right) and board member of Vienna College Enoch Rukiidi

The continent needs to increase a mass of people equipped with relevant knowledge to exploit and add value to the massive resources endowed in Africa to improve people's lives.

The Dean of Diplomatic Corps, also doubling as Kenyan High Commissioner to Uganda, Maj Gen. Geoffrey Okaga said Africa should fight donor dependence if it is to achieve its goals.

"We should pay our bills and stop this donor thing. We must outdate the donors to manage our own things," he noted.

Students of Vienna College performed several traditional dances performances from different countries.

They also recited poems in relation to the theme, and held a fashion show where each country showcased their tradition wear.