Internal Affairs Minister Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire has called on African countries to unite and take charge of their natural resources, decrying ongoing Western dominance that leaves the continent dependent and underdeveloped.
Speaking at the 8th Citizens’ Convention on Extractives in Kampala, Otafiire said Africa’s wealth—ranging from minerals to agricultural produce—is largely exploited by foreign interests.
Without collective action, he warned, African nations risk remaining trapped in a cycle of exporting cheap raw materials and importing costly finished goods.
“Our former colonial masters continue to control the exploitation of African resources,” Otafiire said. “We must act in unison to reclaim ownership and ensure our people benefit.”
He cited Uganda’s coffee exports as a stark example, noting that while farmers sell coffee at about $3 per kilogram, it is resold abroad at multiples of that price with no local value addition.
“By the time our coffee reaches Europe, its price multiplies many times. Foreign processors and traders make more money than our farmers,” he said.
Otafiire also highlighted the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) as a case of resources leaving Africa for processing overseas.
He stressed the importance of local refining and industrialization to retain value within the continent.
The minister drew comparisons with other regions, noting that prosperity often stems from unity.
“The United States became powerful because its states united. Europe formed the European Union to strengthen its position. Africa must also come together if we are to control our destiny,” he said.
The convention, organized by Global Rights Alert (GRA) and partners, promotes transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in the extractives sector.
GRA Executive Director Winfred Ngabiirwe noted that while Uganda has made progress, many grassroots citizens remain uninformed about sector operations.
“Limited public knowledge continues to fuel challenges such as unfair compensation for land and disputes over royalties,” Ngabiirwe said.
Ali Ssekatawa, Acting Executive Director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), welcomed the convention’s role in raising public awareness but cautioned against indiscriminate disclosure of sensitive information.
“Transparency is important, but we must also balance it with national interests and strategic confidentiality,” he said.
The convention underscores the growing call for African-led solutions to resource management, with citizen engagement seen as key to equitable development and long-term prosperity.
