President Museveni disclosed yesterday that they are in final stages with other East African states to ensure that no cars are imported into the region, but their spare parts, which will be assembled here to create jobs for East Africans.

 

However, he warned that this can only be possible if African countries accept to work together to strengthen their negotiation with the world market.

 

"We have discussed with East African members and we are about to agree. We need to stop the importation of cars from outside. We want them to bring the parts here and assemble them here so that our people at least get the job of joining them together," Mr Museveni said yesterday at the 5th annual young leaders' forum held at the International University of East Africa.

 

The host, Mr Dison Okumu, a council member, reported to the President that National Council for Higher Education was making their work difficult in delaying to accredit their courses.

 

He said it has taken National Environment Management Authority nine months to carry out an environment assessment where the university wants to construct an underwater welding department for the oil and gas students.

 

Before he could address the audience, students from most universities around Kampala started shouting in chorus "Makerere, Makerere" in a bid to draw his attention to the fate of the University he closed at the beginning of the month.

 

However, the President did not respond in his key note address.

 

He instead reminded African states to unite to expand market of their goods and services at the same time enriching their bargaining power on the international scene.

 

President Museveni closed Makerere University on November 1 after lecturers went on strike demanding for allowances that had not been paid since February.

 

But Ronah Kemirembe, Uganda National Students' Association president blamed Mr Museveni for failing to tackle issues that affect the ordinary people.

 

"I am so concerned that the President can come here to tell us about integration which we should have had 50 years ago.

 

You can't close Makerere; the best university not only in the country but in the region and you come here to talk about integration. What is he trying to tell us? That we abandon Makerere and start bringing our children to these private institutions where it's hard to ask for accountability?" Kemirembe asked.

 

A visitation committee headed by Mr Abel Rwendeire has commenced its work to establish the causes of strikes at Makerere and is expected to report back to assigning authority, President Museveni in three months' time.

Source : allafrica.com