By Vision Reporter
THE Government welcomes discussion with development partners on corruption and democracy, President Yoweri Museveni has said.
He, however, cautioned, that he would not allow them to dictate the final decisions on the economic and political development of the country.
“Let the partners give advice and leave it to the country to decide,†Museveni said, adding, “nobody other than Ugandans should run Uganda.â€
Museveni said issues relating to foreign affairs, defence and culture should not be a pre-condition for development assistance, a State House statement said yesterday.
The statement said Museveni was on Wednesday speaking at the on-going investment conference organised by the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) and the Organisation of Economic Co-operation Development (OECD) at the Imperial Resort Beach Hotel in Entebbe.
Reuters news agency quoted Museveni saying, “OECD countries must get out of the habit of trying to use aid to dictate the management of our countries.â€
“Uganda will not be one of those clients. I have my head on my shoulders and I know the problems of Uganda better than anyone,†said Museveni adding; “We need independence in decision-making. Do they want me to be a slave?â€
Reuters said when Museveni was asked about Britain’s move to cut $9.5m of aid over political concerns, he declined to comment because there is “ceasefireâ€.
“But if someone breaks this ceasefire, you will see our full answer,†he added, “we are going to wake our people upâ€.
Museveni said development partners were right to demand for accountability. “
He said the country should be trusted to determine its destiny. “Let people make their own mistakes, let people grow,†he said.
Museveni said aid had caused problems to the economy, such as high interest rates and artificial strength of the shilling, which undermines export competitiveness.
Museveni stressed that developing countries like Uganda needed trade and not aid.
He said there was need to limit the inflow of unearned foreign money.