By Our Reporter
President Yoweri Museveni has sent a strong and unexpected message to U.S. President Donald Trump following a major order imposing a 10% tariff on Ugandan products. Instead of expressing concern, Museveni dismissed the move and made it clear that Uganda would not be intimidated.
Museveni responded firmly to the recent decision by the United States to impose a 10% tariff on Ugandan products, saying Uganda should shift focus toward strengthening regional trade instead.
The tariffs, which affect a wide range of Ugandan exports, were ordered under new U.S. trade policies aimed at tightening control over imports from countries not aligned with Washington’s global interests.
However, Museveni has downplayed the impact of the move, urging Ugandans not to panic.
“We should not cry over these taxes. Instead, we must build stronger trade relations with our neighbors and within Africa,” he stated.
The president emphasized that East African and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) markets offer far more reliable and sustainable opportunities.
Museveni’s remarks come as a bold message to U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, signaling Uganda’s intention to reduce its dependency on Western markets.
The new tariffs could strain the economic ties between Kampala and Washington, but Museveni remains defiant.
“We must be economically independent,” he said. “Our future lies in regional integration, not in begging distant powers for market access.”
Uganda’s trade with the U.S. currently accounts for a small percentage of its total exports.
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