President Of Uganda Officially Apologizes For Role In Slave Trade

The President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, officially apologized to the descendants of enslaved Africans for Uganda’s role in the Transatlantic slave trade.

In a news clip shared by the African Diaspora New Channel, the nation’s leader expressed his regret and condolences for the country’s actions during the time of enslavement. Uganda participated in the selling of its people within the trade, a historical fact that is not often shared, but occurred nonetheless.

President Museveni was remorseful for his country’s actions, but also hoped to create solutions to rectify its systemic impact.

“We come in humility and brokenness to repent for the sins of leaders in Africa,” Museveni said. “And in particular, the sin of selling our own brothers and sisters into slavery. This grave sin brought untold pain and misery towards millions of people of African descent, and judgement to the African people who remain on the continent. ”

He continued, “If it not were not for the part that our African kings and chiefs played in the slave trade, this evil trade could not have survived. Therefore, on behalf of all the African leaders, past and present, all of them, I acknowledge that part we played in this tragedy. And today, we ask for forgiveness.”

The video, released on the news channel’s YouTube, has amassed over 40,000 views since its posting on July 9.

The African slave trade lasted for centuries, starting in the 16th century before the inhumane practice slowed down in, approximately, the late 1860s. However, the impact of slavery has remained present and harmful to the descendants of those whose ancestors were forced into bondage.

This official recognition from Uganda of its direct involvement in the slave trade, in addition to other nations who have done so already, may prompt other African nations with a similar history to formally apologize as well, with the acknowledgment being a step in the right direction to further relief for the Black diaspora.