President Yoweri Museveni created a light-hearted moment in Nairobi on Thursday after thanking organisers of a high-level continental forum for allowing him to address delegates while seated.
Museveni, 81, explained that he had strained his back during exercise.
The Ugandan leader was among the key speakers at the Africa We Build Summit 2026, a major continental gathering focused on infrastructure and industrialisation.
The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) is being hosted in partnership with the Government of Kenya.
President William Ruto invited Museveni to address the summit, warmly referring to him as an elder statesman.
“I want to take this opportunity to invite our elder President Yoweri Museveni to come and share with us his wisdom. Mzee, karibu,” Ruto said as he ushered him to the podium.
As Museveni walked up to speak, a chair was promptly brought for him, allowing him to deliver his remarks while seated- a gesture that immediately drew smiles from the audience and set a relaxed tone in the hall.
Museveni began his speech by acknowledging both the organisers and the accommodation made for his comfort.
“Thank you, President Ruto, thank you to the Africa Finance Corporation and all the distinguished ladies and gentlemen here,” Museveni said. “I am glad you have allowed me to be seated when I am here because when I was doing my push-ups, I strained my back and I really want to talk to you comfortably, not in a hurry.”
His remark drew laughter and applause from delegates attending the summit. The summit brought together heads of state, ministers, investors, development finance institutions, and global industry leaders.
The summit, themed “Infrastructure as the Engine of Industrialisation,” is focused on transforming Africa’s infrastructure agenda from planning into execution.
It seeks to unlock investment, improve project delivery, and strengthen regional connectivity across the continent.
Organisers said the forum is designed to shift attention from policy discussions to practical implementation.
“This year’s theme reflects a practical focus on turning proven infrastructure priorities into investable opportunities, scalable projects and tangible outcomes,” the organisers said in a statement.
Museveni also used his address to commend both Ruto and AFC for convening the forum, noting the importance of coordinated efforts in accelerating development across Africa.
He added that such platforms were critical in ensuring that African countries move beyond fragmented planning toward integrated and bankable infrastructure systems that can support industrialisation.
The two-day summit will focus on financing models, project execution strategies, and policy alignment needed to unlock large-scale infrastructure investments. Delegates are expected to discuss risk mitigation, capital mobilisation, and the strengthening of cross-border infrastructure corridors.
There will also be a strong emphasis on mineral beneficiation, domestic capital development, and reducing the cost of financing infrastructure projects across the continent.
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