President Museveni has warned foreign powers against interfering in African affairs, saying some external actors are attempting to destabilise the region because they are threatened by Uganda’s growing industrial capacity and upcoming oil production.
The President made the remarks on Saturday during a radio talk show at Mbale State Lodge, where he engaged journalists from Bugisu Sub-region.
‘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,’ Mr Museveni said.
The President reiterated that peace and stability remain the cornerstone of Uganda’s progress under the NRM government, saying unity and discipline have enabled the country to build strong national institutions.
Tracing the roots of the NRM to 1965, Mr Museveni said the Movement was formed to counter 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 emphasised that the NRM’s ideology rests on four key pillars peace, development, wealth creation, and regional integration. ‘When the earlier sectarian groups collapsed and Amin came in, we decided to fight for a new Uganda built on unity and purpose,’ he added.
Uganda’s development
On development, the President said Uganda has made significant progress in infrastructure, such as roads, electricity, and schools, but poverty remains in some areas because many people have not fully embraced wealth creation. ‘Africa has been underpopulated for a long time. People can survive without progressing unless leaders wake them up, that’s what I did with the Banyankore,’ he said. Mr Museveni encouraged Ugandans, especially the youth, to create jobs through commercial agriculture, ICT, services, and industries rather than depend on government employment.
‘Before colonialism, Africans had emyooga (talents), but the colonialists diverted people into administration. Jobs come from production, not from government offices,’ he said. The President revealed that a new industrial park will be established in Busumbu, Mbale, to process vermiculite a mineral used in satellite technology. Reaffirming his commitment to national stability, the President declared: ‘Nobody can disturb our peace. Anybody who tries will be dealt with.’
The interactive session was attended by NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, among others.