Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has said the imposition of sanctions against Zimbabwe was an act of cowardice and called for their immediate lifting for the country to progress.

He was speaking during the official opening of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo.

Museveni said the West should desist from unjustified economic embargoes against developing countries while also urging African countries to unite.

“If they knew they were right, why did they revert to sanctions? When you impose sanctions you aren’t sure of what you are doing,” Museveni said.

He said Africa was much stronger than before and has worked as one to liberate its member nation.

“In 1989 when l was here (in Zimbabwe), Uganda was weaker. Uganda died and resurrected and today we are much stronger than in 1989. The idea of sanctions is cowardice, and if Africans were working together they should have put counter sanctions in support of their member.”

He said Uganda was ready to walk with Zimbabwe on its journey to economic boom.

“Zimbabwe has the potential to emerge from the current economic challenges it is reeling under,” he said.