MBALE, Uganda — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has cautioned against foreign interference in African affairs, saying external actors are seeking to disrupt regional stability due to Uganda’s emerging industrial base and upcoming oil production.
Speaking during a radio talk show at the Mbale State Lodge on November 8, 2025, the President engaged journalists from the Bugisu subregion, where he reaffirmed his government’s resolve to safeguard Uganda’s peace and independence.
“Most of these children being misled in Tanzania and other countries are being confused by European powers that are worried about Uganda’s progress,” Museveni said. “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.”
President Museveni emphasized that peace and stability remain the cornerstone of Uganda’s success under the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
He credited national unity and discipline for enabling the country to build strong institutions, including a capable national army.
“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 said.
Tracing the NRM’s origins back to 1965, the President said the Movement emerged to counter divisive politics based on tribal and religious identity.
“What is important for the people is their needs, not their tribes. Prosperity comes from production and markets, not tribal identity,” he added.
Museveni reiterated that the NRM’s guiding principles remain peace, development, wealth creation, and regional integration — the four pillars of the Movement’s ideology.
While acknowledging Uganda’s progress in infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and schools, the President said poverty persists in some areas because citizens have not fully embraced wealth creation.
He encouraged young people to pursue opportunities in commercial agriculture, ICT, services, and manufacturing, instead of relying on government jobs.
Museveni also announced plans to establish a new industrial park in Busumbu, Mbale, to process vermiculite, a mineral used in satellite technology.
“We are focusing on four sectors: commercial agriculture, factories, ICT, and services. It is wealth creation that creates jobs,” he said.
The President urged residents in high-risk mountain areas to adopt safer farming practices to reduce landslide risks. He also announced a funding scheme for university graduates to support startups through zonal cooperatives.
Museveni reaffirmed his commitment to national stability, warning that Uganda would respond firmly to any threats to its peace.
“Nobody can disturb our peace. Anybody who tries will be dealt with,” he said firmly.
The interactive session was attended by senior NRM officials, including Secretary General Richard Todwong, Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region Calvin Echodu, and several local leaders from the Bugisu subregion.
