Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has said Uganda avoided Kenya-style Gen Z protests because of timely intelligence and firm action by security agencies.
Speaking during his New Year address at Nakasero State Lodge on December 31, 2025, Museveni accused opposition groups of trying to cause unrest in Uganda. He claimed some opposition leaders were using foreign funding and organised crowds to destabilise the country.
Museveni said Uganda was at risk of experiencing protests similar to the Gen Z-led demonstrations seen in Kenya in 2024 and 2025. However, he noted that early intelligence reports and decisive action by police and intelligence agencies stopped the plans before they escalated.
According to the president, information came from several sources, including members of the public and some opposition figures who voluntarily alerted the government about planned protests. He said intelligence gathered from arrested opposition politicians also helped disrupt the alleged plans.
Museveni criticised what he described as poor discipline among some opposition leaders, accusing them of transporting people from different areas to create artificial crowds at rallies. He said many Ugandans recognised these tactics and worked with authorities to stop them.
He specifically mentioned plans for Gen Z protests on July 4, 2024, saying the efforts failed because the public rejected them.
On policing methods, Museveni said he had banned the use of caning or beating protesters, calling it outdated and unacceptable. However, he defended the use of teargas and water cannons, saying they are lawful and safer than using live bullets during riots.
His comments come amid claims by human rights activists that Uganda and Kenya coordinated security responses during protests. In November 2025, activist Bob Njagi alleged that Ugandan soldiers were deployed to Kenya during the Gen Z demonstrations, claims that the Ugandan government has not officially confirmed.
Museveni maintained that the actions taken by Uganda’s security agencies were necessary to protect peace and stability, warning that any attempts to destabilise the country would be firmly dealt with.
