President Yoweri Museveni has lauded the Ugandan Armed Forces, security agencies, and citizens for their role in preventing a planned demonstration that he claims had nefarious intentions and was supported by foreign entities.
In a statement addressed to Ugandans, especially the youth, President Museveni expressed his gratitude, stating, “I want to congratulate the Armed Forces and the Security Forces and the Wanainchi, for foiling or not participating in the bad demonstration that was planned for Tuesday.”
The President detailed two primary concerns regarding the planned demonstration. “Element no.1 was funding from foreign sources that are always meddling in the internal affairs of Africa for the last 600 years ─ slave trade, colonialism, neo-colonialism, genocide, economic exploitation, etc. All those involved should know that Uganda is not a neo-colony where those shallow schemes can be deployed,” he emphasized.
He further alleged that the demonstration’s organizers had harmful plans against Ugandans, which will be revealed during court trials. “The second element was that some of the authors and participants of the demonstrations were planning very bad things against the people of Uganda. Those very bad things will come out in court when those arrested are being tried.”
President Museveni expressed his willingness to support demonstrations with genuine causes, particularly those coordinated with the police. “If it was a patriotic, anti-corruption, peaceful demonstration, coordinated with the Police, I would have been the first to join,” he stated. He cited a previous anti-corruption march in 2019, organized by Nakalema, which he participated in, noting its peaceful and coordinated nature.
Reflecting on the need for orderly demonstrations, Museveni advised, “Nakalema can coordinate with the genuine anti-corruption fighters for a similar effort, especially on a Sunday. It was not correct for Nakalema to use a working day.” He highlighted the importance of avoiding heavily populated areas like Kawempe and Bwaise for demonstrations to prevent disrupting daily activities and damaging the community’s economic efforts.
President Museveni urged those receiving foreign funds to disclose their sources. “Those being funded by foreigners should stop and report to the Minister of State for Ethics, those that have been funding them. We shall not arrest them. In any case, we know a lot about the goings-on in those groups. Our interest is to immunize Uganda against the schemes of the imperialists and their agents.”
The President concluded by promising a detailed address next week and reiterating his commitment to fighting corruption. “Next week, I will make a broadcast and discuss more on the issue. I praise the Lord that there was no blood-shed on Tuesday. The fight against corruption is in my hands. I just need evidence and action will be taken.”
In his closing remarks, Museveni assured the nation of his leadership in this struggle. “I am now leading this little war. We fought the bigger war. We shall win this one also.”