President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has warned foreign actors against meddling in African affairs, saying Uganda and the region will not tolerate external attempts to undermine their progress and stability.
Speaking during a radio talk show at Mbale State Lodge on Thursday, President Museveni accused some European powers of funding efforts to destabilize Africa because they feel threatened by Uganda’s growing industrial sector and upcoming oil production.
“Most of these children being misled in Tanzania and other countries are being confused by European powers that are worried about Uganda’s progress. Our industries are growing, our oil is coming and they want to control Africa’s resources. But I must warn those confusing them that we shall crush them,” he said.
The President emphasized that peace and stability remain the cornerstone of Uganda’s development under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, noting that unity and discipline have helped build strong national institutions.
“Number one is peace. We created peace because we don’t believe in sectarian politics. That is why we have been able to build a strong national army capable of defending our country,” he added.
Tracing the NRM’s ideological roots to 1965, President Museveni said the Movement was born out of a struggle to end the politics of identity that had divided Ugandans along tribal and religious lines.
“What is important for the people is their needs, not their tribes. Prosperity comes from production and markets, not from tribal identity,” he said.
He reiterated that the NRM’s philosophy rests on four key pillars, peace, development, wealth creation, and regional integration which have guided Uganda’s transformation over the decades.
On economic growth, Museveni acknowledged Uganda’s achievements in infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and schools, but cautioned that poverty persists because some citizens have not embraced wealth creation.
“People can survive without progressing unless leaders wake them up, that’s what I did with the Banyankore,” he said, urging Ugandans to create jobs through commercial agriculture, ICT, industry, and services rather than relying on government employment.
The President also revealed plans for a new industrial park in Busumbu, Mbale, to process vermiculite, a mineral used in satellite technology, as part of efforts to boost value addition and exports.
He further advised residents in high-risk mountain areas to adopt sustainable farming practices to prevent disasters such as mudslides.
“We can sit down and agree on how best to use the mountain sustainably,” he said.
On youth empowerment, Museveni announced an upcoming funding scheme for university graduates to support start-ups organized by zone and pledged continued investment in coffee processing and value addition.
Reaffirming his commitment to national security, Museveni declared that, “Nobody can disturb our peace. Anybody who tries will be dealt with.”
The interactive session was attended by NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, Party Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region Mr. Calvin Echodu, and several leaders from the Bugisu Sub-region.
