Kampala — PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has explained why he did not oppose the lifting of presidential term limits in the 1995 Constitution, saying he wants to see a strong East African Federation when he retires.

"The East African Federation was the main reason why I did not oppose the lifting of term limits in the Constitution. I want to leave a strong East Africa. I want to leave a strong Africa," Museveni told journalists at the Nakasero State House on Thursday night. Discussing his 2006 election manifesto to be launched on December 29, Museveni stressed, "We need stability. We need to think more about Africa, not the Europe or America that our people worship. There was slavery for 500 years, what did the Pope or Archbishop of Canterbury do? Weren't they aware?"

Pointing at himself, Museveni said, "I stand for African unity, nothing else. The most important thing for all of us is Africa's unity, strength and prosperity. For example, we helped South Africa fight apartheid, they are helping us now. We sowed sacrifice and reaped prosperity. That should be our goal."

He announced that his manifesto's focus in the next five years will be "Prosperity For All".

"In the last elections, our slogan was 'No Change, Why Change, No Cause' but this time, we are looking for prosperity for all," he said.

"The Vision of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is a peaceful, united, democratic, harmonious, industrialised, transformed and prosperous Uganda within a strong, federated East Africa and Africa coordinated through the African common market and a common defence treaty."

"The Mission of NRM is to transform Uganda from a poor peasant society into a modern, industrial, middle class and skilled working class, as well as a united and prosperous society," he said.

He said the NRM achievements include ending the reign of terror in Uganda perpetuated by regimes between 1962 to 1986, establishment of democracy, decentralisation of power, creation of regional tiers, professionalisation of the army, the justice, law and order sector and astute management of the transition from the Movement to multiparty politics.

Other achievements include fighting corruption, improvement of housing conditions, the transformation of Uganda through education, improvements in the health sector, providing safe water for all in more than 90 towns, good environmental strategies, road development/maintenance, improved power sector, fighting poverty through privatisation, liberalisation and job creation.

Others include introduction of non-traditional exports, a buoyant financial sector, improved agriculture and transforming rural communities. He said the NRM will also rehabilitate war-ravaged areas and improve land management.

Ends