Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
UGANDAN President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged African Union member states that have joined the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) but are yet to undertake their reviews or implement their National Programmes of Action (NPoA) to emulate Zimbabwe’s progress, saying strong political commitment can fast-track governance reforms.
In a speech read on his behalf by Uganda’s Vice President, Her Excellency Jessica Alupo, during the official launch of Zimbabwe’s APRM National Programme of Action in Harare on Thursday, President Museveni said Zimbabwe’s experience offers a model for the continent.
“I urge those who have acceded but are yet to undertake their reviews—or have outstanding National Programs of Action—to draw inspiration from Zimbabwe’s example. With strong political commitment, effective institutions and national ownership, the journey from review to implementation can be accelerated,” he said.
President Museveni also pledged Uganda’s support as Zimbabwe implements its National Programme of Action, saying Kampala is ready to deepen cooperation through the sharing of governance experiences and best practices.
“Uganda stands ready to deepen South-South cooperation with Zimbabwe by sharing experiences in NPoA implementation, monitoring and evaluation systems, stakeholder engagement and institutional strengthening,” he said.
He added that Uganda would continue working with the APRM Continental Secretariat to support Zimbabwe through peer learning, technical cooperation, governance support programmes and the exchange of best practices as the country rolls out its National Programme of Action.
President Museveni congratulated Zimbabwe on the official launch of its Targeted Review on Economic Governance and Management, describing it as a significant milestone in the country’s APRM journey and evidence of its commitment to strengthening economic governance, accountable institutions and sustainable socio-economic transformation.
He noted that Zimbabwe had made rapid progress since acceding to the APRM on 8 February 2020 as the 44th member state, successfully completing its Targeted Review, presenting the report to the APR Forum of Heads of State and Government in February this year, and launching a nationally owned and costed National Programme of Action.
“This achievement reflects strong political leadership, effective institutional coordination and a firm commitment to governance reform,” he said.
The Ugandan leader said the review comes at a critical time as Africa advances the implementation of Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area, stressing that sound economic governance is vital for promoting investment, enhancing competitiveness, strengthening regional value chains and delivering inclusive growth.
He said the APRM remains Africa’s premier governance instrument, enabling countries to strengthen institutions, improve policy reforms and accelerate socio-economic transformation through peer learning and voluntary self-assessment. However, he stressed that the real value of the mechanism lies in implementing its recommendations.
“The true value of the APRM does not lie in the review report itself. Its greatest value lies in the implementation of the National Programme of Action. A review only becomes meaningful when it translates into concrete reforms, measurable improvements and tangible benefits for citizens,” President Museveni said.
He said Zimbabwe’s successful implementation of the National Programme of Action would strengthen investor confidence, promote regional value chains and advance the objectives of SADC, COMESA and the African Continental Free Trade Area. He also congratulated Zimbabwe on assuming the COMESA chairmanship for the 2026–2027 period, describing it as a reflection of the country’s growing leadership in regional economic integration.
