President Museveni has warned that certain foreign groups are allegedly funding local actors to sow instability in Uganda as the country moves closer to the 2026 general elections.
Addressing journalists at Mbale State Lodge during his campaign tour of the Bugisu subregion, the President said Uganda’s growing strength in industry, agriculture, and oil production had attracted foreign envy and interference.
“These foreigners are very worried about Uganda. Uganda is moving very strong — industry is growing, we don’t lack anything. We have all the food, the raw materials, and soon we are getting our oil,” Museveni said.
He claimed that some of these external players are working with “confused people” locally to exert influence over Uganda’s natural resources and conservation areas.
“So they are very worried and some of them have been talking with our confused people about how to control our national parks and other resources.”
The President said foreign interests were behind efforts to incite unrest, referring to the November 2020 riots that broke out following the arrest of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine.
“Those are the groups sponsoring these children to do bad things. But they are easy to deal with. We have no problem — we pick them, and after some time, we release them,” he said.
Museveni revealed that two Kenyan nationals allegedly linked to Kyagulanyi’s team had been arrested, describing them as “experts in riots.” He warned that any individuals or organizations funding such actions would face serious repercussions.
“The ones who are doing that game here in Uganda will end up badly. We normally defeat it by counter-mobilization and counter-action,” he warned.
The President urged Ugandans, particularly the youth, to reject calls for violence or destruction of property during demonstrations, reminding them that national resources and development projects belong to everyone.
“You may burn Museveni’s house thinking it’s his, but that house is ours — all of us. The cement and materials paid taxes, and that tax gives free education to our children,” he said.
He tasked NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong to intensify civic education campaigns on patriotism and national unity.
“There is no factory for Museveni in Uganda — all the factories are ours. If I build a factory in India, it becomes a factory of India,” Museveni explained.
President Museveni appealed for calm as the country heads toward the 2026 polls, calling on citizens to express dissent peacefully rather than resorting to destruction.
“If you are angry, you can demonstrate peacefully and show that you are not happy. But don’t destroy. Suppose you take over — where will you start if everything is already burnt?”
The President, who continues his campaign trail across Bugisu, reiterated his message of peace, unity, and vigilance, urging Ugandans to safeguard the country’s progress from those seeking to derail it.
