President Museveni Officiates at Africa We Build Summit in Nairobi, Reaffirms Uganda’s Oil Sovereignty.
President Yoweri Museveni joined his host, President William Ruto, and other regional leaders at the Africa We Build Summit 2026 in Nairobi, where he underscored Uganda’s determination to manage its oil resources strategically and ensure that value addition benefits East Africans.
In his remarks, Museveni emphasized that Uganda’s planned oil refinery is central to safeguarding national assets and strengthening regional partnerships. He stated: “Uganda will not allow its resources to be undervalued or rushed into deals that deny our people long‑term benefits. Our refinery is about sovereignty, value addition, and ensuring that East Africans reap the rewards of their own wealth.”
Later in the day, President Museveni and President Ruto held a closed‑door meeting to deepen discussions on reciprocal investments in oil infrastructure and broader regional integration. Museveni has since departed Nairobi after delivering his message and engaging in bilateral talks.
The summit drew wide representation, including organs of the East African Community Secretariat, diplomats, youth, and members of the diplomatic corps. Uganda’s delegation of ministers was led by Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, was joined by Gen. Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport.
President Ruto, in his intervention, commended Museveni’s firm stance and announced Kenya’s readiness to invest in Uganda’s refinery project, aligning Kenya’s commitment with Uganda’s vision of sustainable energy development.
The Africa We Build Summit continues tomorrow with different sessions focusing on transport, energy, industrialization, and cross‑border trade systems. A joint communiqué is expected to highlight leaders’ commitments to translating policy declarations into executable projects that strengthen East Africa’s integration agenda.
Uganda’s strong presence in Nairobi, through Museveni’s firm message, Rt. Hon. Kadaga’s leadership of the ministerial delegation and the participation of senior ministers reinforced the country’s central role in shaping the region’s energy future and driving sustainable integration.
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