Published on 09/11/2025
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reassured Ugandans that the country will experience peaceful elections, warning anyone attempting to disturb the peace that they will be dealt with decisively.
In a candid interaction with journalists at Mbale State Lodge on Saturday night, Museveni stressed that Uganda would not tolerate any attempts at violence or subversion, particularly in the lead-up to the 2026 elections. The session, attended by senior National Resistance Movement (NRM) party leaders, focused on the party’s key campaign messages and achievements.
No room for disturbing peace
In response to concerns about potential unrest following the elections, Museveni assured the public that Uganda’s security forces were fully equipped and prepared to handle any threats.
“No one can play around here. You can try those games in other parts of Africa, but not in Uganda,” the President said, referring to the political chaos that has marred elections in other countries. “We have strong intelligence and security systems. Anybody who tries to disturb the peace, we shall deal with them swiftly.”
Museveni also emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening the judicial system to prevent the release of rioters on bail.
“We no longer tolerate impunity. Criminals who used to get bail easily are now being handled firmly,” he added. He pointed to the swift action taken against individuals involved in the recent cross-border disturbances near Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as an example of the government’s zero-tolerance approach.
Security for all.
Responding to one journalist who had raised concerns about the potential security challenges during the election period, Museveni assured Ugandans that the government would not allow any groups or individuals to undermine the country’s stability.
He noted that Uganda’s security agencies were monitoring both local and foreign elements that might attempt to incite violence, citing the recent arrests of two Kenyans allegedly involved in training people to riot.
“We are very strict, and we are monitoring all groups, both local and foreign. These are groups funded by outside forces who are afraid of Uganda’s progress. They want to destabilize the country, but we have the situation under control,” Museveni said.
Call for peaceful protest
In his broader comments on public unrest, Museveni cautioned against destructive demonstrations, stressing that rioting harms the very people it is meant to represent.
“If you are angry, you can demonstrate, but not by destroying things. You do not destroy what belongs to all of us. Why burn Museveni’s house, when it is not just his house, but ours too?” he explained.
He called on Ugandans to recognize that national property, such as infrastructure and businesses, is funded by taxes paid by citizens and used for the public good, including services like education and healthcare.
“Private property in Uganda belongs to all of us,” Museveni said, underscoring the importance of patriotism and civic responsibility. He warned that any individuals or groups attempting to cause damage to national assets would be swiftly dealt with by security forces.
Regional and economic unity.
Museveni also touched on economic development, regional integration, and Africa’s role in the global economy. He spoke about Uganda’s growing industrial capacity and the need for greater regional cooperation through the East African Community (EAC). He also warned that without political and economic integration, Africa risked remaining weak and vulnerable to external manipulation.
“We need to unite, not just for prosperity but for strength. If we do not unite politically, we will be like small countries in Latin America, struggling to succeed on our own,” Museveni noted.
The President also referenced the importance of Africa’s resources, urging Ugandans to be vigilant against foreign interference seeking to control the continent’s wealth. “We are fully in control. We have the resources, and we will continue to grow our economy,” he said.
“No one will disturb our peace,” he declared, before thanking the journalists for their questions and reaffirming the NRM government’s commitment to national security, development, and prosperity for all Ugandans.
