In a bold statement from Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, the Head of State congratulated the country’s security forces for their successful protection of the Nyege Nyege festival attendees in Jinja. However, the President did not mince words in criticizing the United States and Britain for what he termed as unwarranted interference in Uganda’s internal affairs.
President Museveni, currently en route from Abu Dhabi, expressed gratitude to the security forces, including the UPDF, Uganda Police, and intelligence services, for ensuring the safety of participants during the Nyege Nyege festival. The President acknowledged the long pre-announced and massive public function, emphasizing the strength of Uganda’s security system in thwarting potential threats, including those posed by infiltrators allegedly sent by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Congo.
The President’s statement took a confrontational turn when addressing advisories issued by the U.S. and Britain cautioning their citizens against visiting Uganda. President Museveni dismissed these advisories as the result of “mistake makers” and asserted that if the situation were truly dire, it would be Uganda advising against visits. He accused the Western nations of interference in Uganda’s internal affairs and questioned their credibility in addressing terrorism on the African continent.
President Museveni went on to criticize some global actors for their role in creating or sustaining terrorism in Africa. He pointed to the chaos in Libya and the Sahel region, attributing it to certain external elements. The President also raised concerns about the United Nations’ involvement in the conservation of terrorism in Eastern Congo, accusing them of turning a blind eye to atrocities against Congolese and Ugandans.
The statement took a historical turn, with President Museveni delving into the aggression by the Banyankore against the Basongora in the 19th century. He emphasized the need to eradicate the threat of ADF “pigs” and praised the collaboration with the Congo Army in this endeavor.
In conclusion, President Museveni, citing a biblical reference, warned those he labeled as “parasite killers” of the ADF, stating that they would pay with their lives for their criminal activities. The President’s strong stance reinforces Uganda’s commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring the security of its citizens.
The international community now awaits responses from the criticized nations as tensions escalate between Uganda and Western powers.
