African youth give Museveni, Mnangagwa liberation awards

KAMPALA - President Yoweri Museveni and his Zimbabwean counterpart, Emmerson Mnangagwa, have been honoured for their exceptional contribution towards advancing African liberation.

The two heads of state were awarded during the two-day Africa Youth Congress 2025, a youth event held at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, last week.

Accordingly, Museveni was honoured with the "Liberation Centurion Award”, the first of its kind, labelling him a historical leader of Pan-Africanism across the African continent.

On the other hand, Mnangagwa was given the "Liberation Vanguard Award”, historic in nature, recognising his effort in initiating and enabling talks that advance Africa’s integration.

Another awardee was longtime Kenyan politician and former prime minister Raila Odinga who was presented with the "Pan-African Freedom Champion Award". This was in light of his multiple Pan-African achievements and enduring contributions, according to organisers.

However, the awards were presented in recipients’ absentia owing to their participation in the recently concluded ceremony of the 4th edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) themed ‘The Nexus of Next: Supercharging Sustainable Progress.’

The awards, according to the organisers, shall be handed over to the recipients at the appropriate time.

Speaking at the event, Rogers Kalema, the outgoing chairperson of the Africa Youth Congress, acknowledged efforts rendered by the two presidents, Museveni and Mnangagwa, describing the former as ‘father of Africa’.

He underscored the role President Museveni has played in uniting and developing Africa, noting that not many African leaders are interested in sacrificing for their continent.

He explained that Museveni’s contributions are tangible and long-term, rallying on the youth to emulate the same.

“We recognise the exceptional efforts of President Museveni, for his steadfast commitment to the liberation of Africa, his unwavering support as the patron of the congress, and his pivotal role in championing the formation of the centre of gravity,” Kalema said.

Over the years, Museveni has been pivotal in preaching the Africa integration gospel, rallying all member states to play their part in ensuring development, peace, pan-Africanism, unity and poverty eradication, among others.

His contribution has earned him respect across the continent, with a section of leaders referring to him as the “father of African continent”.

The congress’ delegates used the same event to encourage the president to continue with the modernisation efforts and call upon other African leaders to follow suit. They say, there is need to move from old style of divide and rule to one-way integration.

Also, the delegates commended Uganda's socio-economic advancements through programs such as the ongoing Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP) among others which they say are key tool in the modernization of Africa.

Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa. (AFP/Files)

Endorse Odinga for AUC job

Through what was termed as the Kampala Declaration, the Africa Youth Council unanimously endorsed Kenya’s Raila Odinga as their preferred candidate as the next chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) arguing that the longtime politician would advance pan-African unity and progress.

Recently, Kenya set up a campaign secretariat to work with Odinga in his bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson.

The campaigns will be led by highly experienced and knowledgeable officers, said Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi, who addressed a joint press conference with Odinga in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

The secretariat will be responsible for drafting all necessary briefs for the candidate, producing campaign materials, and arranging for a public debate to be broadcast live across Africa, Mudavadi said.

The AUC chairperson’s seat is set to fall vacant in February 2025 when its current occupant, Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad, completes his second term.

End conflicts

One of the declarations made in Kampala, according to Mohamed Ali Mohamed, the Ambassador of Sahrawi to Uganda, was to ensure conflicting states are supported and ensuring that conflicts end.

For instance, the delegates rallied for peace in Sudan, Libya, and other conflict-affected countries in Africa, urging all stakeholders to prioritise dialogue and reconciliation.

“We emphasize the importance of fostering unity among African nations through the" Centre of Gravity" approach, promoting solidarity and collective progress toward a unified Africa,” Mohamed said.