Deal with economic growth first before you talk rights - Museveni replies EU

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has advised the European Union to emphasize on economic growth before talking about rights if they want a fruitful collaboration.

He explained his position in response to an earlier statement made by the EU Ambassador to Uganda Kristian Schmidt at an event to commemorate Europe’s 60 years of unity in the capital Kampala.

“It’s okay to talk of human and other rights but growth of the economy should be the first right to emphasize … If economy grows, costs go down, private investors are attracted and the future becomes easy to handle. The EU can help on this front,” he tweeted on Wednesday.

It’s okay to talk of human and other rights but growth of the economy should be the first right to emphasize.

— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) May 10, 2017

He also thanked the European Union for supporting Uganda’s road sector but demanded more support for economic development.

I thank the EU for their support to our roads sector but they can do more in supporting Uganda’s general economic development.

— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) May 10, 2017

Earlier at the event, the EU Ambassador Kristian Schmidt warned the country against violation of rights.

“Leaders should be increasingly accountable to the people they serve and less frequently the source of violations of their rights. We pray respectfully that you consider that ultimately security does not come from a gun,” the Ambassador said in his address in the presence of Museveni.

President Museveni did not not respond immediately in his speech but talked about collaborative efforts to give Africa an advantage in international trade.

Africa and Europe are bound to share great opportunities of prosperity if the collaborative engagements between them are handled correctly.

— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) May 10, 2017

Human rights has been a concern for international bodies in Uganda with the recent arrest of 42-year old Makerere University researcher Stella Nyanzi, who was charged in April with cyber harassment for using derogatory words against President Yoweri Museveni in a Facebook post.

She was granted bail on Wednesday.