PRESIDENT MUSEVENI RECEIVES SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM H.E CYRIL RAMAPHOSA, THE PRESIDENT OF SOUTH AFRICA

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today received a special message from His Excellency Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of the Republic of South Africa, at State House Entebbe. The message was delivered by Ms. Ayanda Dlodlo, the special envoy of President Ramaphosa. Accompanying the envoy was Ms. Tshabalala Bajabulile Swazi, the former Senior Vice President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), who is seeking support for her candidacy for the presidency of the African Development Bank. President Museveni warmly welcomed the special message from President Ramaphosa and held discussions with the delegation on matters of mutual interest.

2025-02-24

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI MEETS PRINCESS ZAHRA AGA KHAN, PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE AGA KHAN IV

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday met and held discussions with Princess Zahra Aga Khan, the daughter of the late Prince Karim Al- Hussaini, Aga Khan IV. During a meeting held at State Lodge- Nakasero, President Museveni extended his condolences to the family of Aga Khan for the loss of the Spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims and businessman. His Highness Aga Khan IV passed away on 4 February 2025, in Lisbon, Portugal, at the age of 88 years. Speaking about the late Aga Khan, President Museveni recalled awarding him a medal during a visit to Bushenyi. “I was surprised when I heard about his death because at 88 years old, he was not old,” he said. The President also reflected on his long-standing connection with the Ismaili community in Uganda. “I wrote a piece on social media when I started seeing his pictures from 1957. Back in our village, we had an Indian forum, and I believe they were all from the Ismaili community. Their shops always displayed three pictures: the Queen of England, Aga Khan, and our local king,” he recounted. He further shared his childhood memories of first learning about the Aga Khan's leadership. “It must have been around 1957-1958, when I was 12 years old, that I noticed four Indian families in Ntungamo hanging pictures of a young man. They told us he was the new 'King' (Mukama) of the Indians. We thought he was the King of all Indians," President Museveni said. He mentioned some of the Indian families he remembered from his childhood, including Budala (Abdallah) and Mamudali (Mohammed Ali), along with two Basiiri families from Yemen. “In the Indian shops, alongside the picture of the young Aga Khan, there were also pictures of Queen Elizabeth and Omugabe Gasyonga, the King of the Banyankore,” he noted. President Museveni highlighted the strong relationship between Uganda and the Aga Khan. “Since I came into government, I had the opportunity to meet His Highness. He and his community have been very supportive to Uganda and other African countries,” he said. On her part, Princess Zahra, shared her long-standing connection with Uganda. “I have been to Uganda many times. The first time I came here was in 1990, and I was here last year and the year before,” she said. She noted her role as a board member of the Aga Khan University, which has a presence in Uganda and plays a vital role in higher education and healthcare. Princess Zahra also made a heartfelt request, by informing the President that they would like him to pray for the soul of the late Aga Khan IV. The meeting was also attended by Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, the President of the Aga Khan University and Mr. Amin M Mawji Obe, the Diplomatic Representative, at Aga Khan Development Network accredited to Uganda and Kenya.

2025-02-21

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI WELCOMES BELARUS PRIME MINISTER TO UGANDA, COOPERATION AGREEMENTS SIGNED

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today officially welcomed Belarus' Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko at State House, Entebbe. Upon arrival, H.E. Golovchenko, who is in Uganda on official visit at the invitation of his host, held a one-on-one meeting with President Museveni as members of Belarus' official delegation led by their First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Lukashevich held talks with their Ugandan counterparts led by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja. Later, the Belarusian head of government, his host President Museveni, and their delegations held joint bilateral talks aimed at further strengthening bilateral cooperation in strategic sectors. They specifically expressed readiness to cooperate in areas like agriculture & agribusiness, investment, trade, education, and defense & security, and in an effort to operationalize their commitment, a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed. These included the Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations, the Agreement on Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic and Official/Service Passports, and the Memorandum of Understanding on Military Technical Cooperation. Others were MoUs on Cooperation in the Field of Education, Food Security, Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy, and an Agreement on the Establishment of a Joint Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation. “We talked about agriculture. Belarus is a producer of many things, and working with them we can produce more, such as fertilizers. They have also got very good tractors. There’s a possibility that we can work with them to produce those tractors here,” H.E. Museveni said, adding that their partnership will also enable Uganda to stop importing milk coolers from countries like Denmark as they will be made here. “Belarus is very advanced in Information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). I was telling the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister of Belarus, that here we have highly educated scientists who can use artificial intelligence and information technology, and I asked him, and he agreed to train our people there. We shall send students—those with degrees in physics and computer science, to go for information technology and artificial intelligence,” the President added. The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, will lead Uganda’s special committee to fast-track the signed MoUs. Other ministers on the committee nominated by President Museveni include the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, the Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, and the Minister of Trade, Hon. Francis Mwebesa. The National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) will also have representatives to oversee the joint ventures. On the other hand, President Museveni, who identified himself as an old anti-colonial freedom fighter, recognized the importance of Belarus and Russia in the African freedom struggle that came in 1917. “How we got our freedom was because of the new resistance movement of our African people and the support of the Soviet Union in 1949,” President Museveni said, mentioning the other factor being the infighting among the imperialists due to their greed to control the world. “When Germany united in 1871, they came as a new imperialist power and started quarreling with Britain and France about the sharing of the world. The imperialists weakened themselves, and they also took us to fight for them. The first World War was not conclusive, and they went for the second World War. By the end, the imperialists were so weak that they could not colonize us. That’s how countries like India, Indonesia, and China got independence. So I welcome you as a friend of Africa,” he noted. Both parties expressed a shared optimism regarding the future of their bilateral relationship, which is poised for significant strengthening in the years ahead. Belarus considers Uganda its promising partner in East Africa, and both governments underscored their conviction that the MoUs concluded during this visit will foster a more resilient and diversified partnership as well as considerable opportunities for cooperation in additional sectors. “Africa is a continent with much potential. Uganda, inclusive, is an excellent country governed by an excellent leader, and by your wise leadership, Uganda has witnessed socio+economic progress,” H.E Golovchenko said, adding that Belarus will ensure that the signed MoUs are followed up to maturity. Yesterday, February 20, 2025, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko signed Decree No. 68 to approve the draft agreement between the governments of Belarus and Uganda to waive visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports and service (official) passports as a basis for negotiations. This means citizens of the two countries who are holders of diplomatic and service passports will no longer be required to obtain visas for entry, exit, and transit if the duration of their continuous stay on the territory of the receiving party does not exceed 30 days from the date of entry and the total duration of stay within a calendar year is 90 days. H.E Golovchenko, on behalf of his government, once again congratulated H.E. Museveni for assuming the chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement and expressed his government's readiness to support Uganda for the remaining two years to deliver on the commitments that were agreed upon by the heads of state and government. He conveyed appreciation to H.E. President Museveni and the people of Uganda for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and his delegation. The meeting was also attended by ministers: Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa (Energy & Mineral Development), Hon. Francis Mwebesa (Trade, Industry and Cooperatives), Hon. Frank Tumwebaze (Agriculture, Animal Industries, and Fisheries), Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire (Internal Affairs),Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi (ICT and National Guidance), Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth (Defense and Veteran Affairs) and Hon. Muyingo John Chrysestom (Education & Sports).

2025-02-21

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI SWEARS-IN NINE NEWLY APPOINTED JUDGES

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today presided over the swearing-in ceremony of nine (9) recently appointed judges at State House, Entebbe. In his address during the ceremony, the President emphasized the importance of the role these judges will play in upholding the law and ensuring justice for all Ugandans. He made a compelling appeal for a justice system that aligns with Uganda’s cultural and historical context, stressing the need for a legal framework that reflects African traditions rather than relying solely on Western models. The ceremony saw the official swearing-in of Hon. Justice Muzamiru Mutangula Kibeedi, the Justice of the Supreme Court. Also sworn-in as Justices of the Court of Appeal were, Hon. Justice Ssekaana Musa, Hon. Lady Justice Sabiiti Cornelia Kakooza, Hon. Lady Justice Stella Alibateese, Hon. Lady Justice Florence Nakachwa, Hon. Justice Byaruhanga Jesse Rugyema, Hon. Justice John Mike Musisi, Hon. Lady Justice Ketrah Kitariisibwa Katunguka, and Hon. Lady Justice Nambayo Esta. These appointments, made by President Museveni on February 7, 2025, are expected to enhance the judiciary’s efficiency in delivering justice. President Museveni noted that justice is often defined according to societal norms and circumstances. Citing historical practices such as wife inheritance among the Banyankore, he explained that such customs were once considered a form of social security for widows and their children. However, with societal evolution, some traditions need to be reviewed and phased out where necessary. Reflecting on Uganda’s political journey, the President underscored the role of freedom fighters in shaping the country’s constitutional framework. “In the 1960s, we, the freedom fighters, argued that justice should be tailored to our own society, not imposed upon us by European standards. That is how we have been able to understand truth and justice,” he said. The President also addressed Uganda’s judicial approach to crime and punishment, particularly the death penalty. He pointed out that traditional African societies adhered to strict principles of justice, often demanding full accountability for crimes such as murder. “In African traditions, if you killed my brother, you had to face revenge. This aligns with the Old Testament’s ‘an eye for an eye’ principle. However, the modern legal system insists that execution is not a solution, opting for long imprisonment instead. This does not sit well with many communities,” he said. The President expressed satisfaction with the adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, calling on the legal fraternity to embrace a mindset that better understands the Ugandan people. “It is not your primary responsibility as lawyers, but it would be helpful if legal professionals understood our people's perspectives. That way, when we enact legislation, it will be well received,” he urged. President Museveni further reiterated his long-standing opposition to granting bail for capital offenders, calling it a mistake that must be addressed. “The Banyankore have a saying: ‘Aleileyo yagalika’ meaning, he stole and returned from prison unbothered. People are fed up with this. It is provocative and must stop,” he stressed. On the role of military courts, President Museveni defended their jurisdiction over both soldiers and certain civilian cases. “The military courts serve two key purposes: first, to maintain discipline within the army, and second, to handle cases involving armed criminals. If a soldier commits an offense, handling it through civilian courts would undermine military discipline,” he explained. President Museveni cited the example of the cattle rustlers and Karachunas who were tried in the military courts. “I hear there are 3,000 of them now, and this process helped remove them from circulation, giving them a chance to reform,” he noted. The President also questioned why some Western nations criticize Uganda’s use of military courts for civilians in armed-related offenses while simultaneously endorsing values contrary to African traditions. “They claim it is ‘irregular’ for armed civilians to be tried in military courts, yet they believe a man can marry another man. What kind of reasoning is that?” he asked. Responding to the fund-seeking from the judiciary, the President reiterated the need for prioritization in government spending. “We freedom fighters never asked for money; we only needed bullets and guns to fight for our cause. When I met Muammar Gaddafi in 1981, he asked what I needed. I told him: ‘Guns and bullets.’ We knew that with weapons, we could handle everything else,” he recalled. President Museveni further urged government institutions, including the judiciary, to adopt a similar mindset of prioritizing “essential needs over luxuries”. “The economy is growing because we emphasize sectors that can grow quickly. Each year, we allocate UGX 1 trillion to the Parish Development Model (PDM). Soon, we will have a surplus of eggs, milk, meat and other produce,” he said. President Museveni also downplayed Uganda’s removal from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade benefits by the United States, and the suspension of USAID operations, stating that the country is not worried. “I saw a U.S Congressman talking about these issues , but we were never worried. Our industries, electricity, roads, and production are still growing. The only thing we need now is to invest more in railway infrastructure,” he remarked. The President concluded by congratulating the newly sworn-in judges and their families, encouraging them to serve with integrity and ensuring that Uganda’s justice system reflects the values and aspirations of its people. On his part, the Chief Justice, His Lordship Alfonse Owiny-Dollo welcomed the new judicial appointments, describing them as a historic milestone in Uganda’s judiciary. He praised President Museveni for fulfilling his commitment to strengthening the judiciary; a promise first made in 2021. “I am happy to warmly welcome one elevated Justice to the Supreme Court and nine to the Court of Appeal. This is a record; never before have we had such a large number of appointments at once. It reflects the commitment to transforming the judiciary so it can better serve the people,” he said. The chief Justice also highlighted that the increase in the number of justices will enhance efficiency in delivering justice. With 21 justices now at the Court of Appeal, he said the judiciary will be able to convene multiple constitutional panels simultaneously, ensuring faster resolution of petitions. On infrastructure, the Chief Justice noted plans to establish regional Courts of Appeal, starting with Gulu and Mbarara, pending budget approval in the next financial year. He also acknowledged the government's efforts in rationalizing High Court circuits in districts like Kiboga, Bushenyi, Kitgum, and Kasese, with further expansion planned in areas such as Apac, Wakiso, Entebbe, Bugiri, and Ntungamo. The Chief Justice also emphasized Uganda’s leadership in Alternative Dispute Resolution in Africa, highlighting ongoing efforts to train judicial officers, religious leaders, and cultural leaders in mediation. He appealed for continued government support to strengthen ADR, which promotes reconciliation and reduces case backlog. His Lordship Owiny-Dollo concluded by recognizing the sacrifices of judicial officers and their families, urging them to support their loved ones in their demanding roles. “The judiciary is a fulfilling profession, but it requires dedication and sacrifice. I ask families to be understanding because their support enables judicial officers to effectively serve the nation,” he said. With these developments, the Chief Justice expressed optimism that Uganda’s judiciary is on the right path towards a more efficient and people-centered justice system. Hon. Norbert Mao, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs expressed his gratitude to President Museveni for enabling the delivery of justice through the increase in the number of judicial officers. “The Constitution has given us the foundation, but it is Your Excellency’s leadership that ensures the judiciary can function effectively by increasing the number of judicial officers,” he said. The Minister noted that the judiciary plays a pivotal role in stimulating the economy, particularly as trillions of shillings are tied up in the courts, especially in commercial disputes. “The judiciary is essential in ensuring that businesses can thrive by resolving disputes efficiently,” he added. Hon. Mao also highlighted the responsibility of newly appointed justices, urging them to focus on delivering impartial justice to the people. “While judicial accountability and independence are often discussed, the real responsibility is in delivering justice fairly and without bias,” he stated. The Minister also reiterated the idea that the three arms of government, the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary must work together to protect and preserve the Constitution. “We must all ensure that the Constitution continues to guide our nation and safeguard the rights of all Ugandans,” Hon. Mao emphasized. The ceremony was also attended by Hon. Jackson Kafuuzi, the Deputy Attorney General, Gen. David Muhoozi, the Minister of State for Internal Affairs and family members of the recently appointed judges.

2025-02-20

“SUPPORT A JUST CAUSE AND SERVE WITH DILIGENCE WHEREVER YOU ARE” - PRESIDENT MUSEVENI TELLS UPDF OFFICERS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is also the Commander-In-Chief of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), has attributed the success of the army to their commitment to a just cause aimed at transforming Uganda. According to the President, UPDF's Pan-Africanist focus on prosperity for all and achieving strategic security for Uganda and Africa has been key to its strength. “UPDF has succeeded because we were fighting for a just cause (kulwanira amazima). And a just cause is in our mission of prosperity for all, strategic security, and using the brotherhood of our people. And if you go on the spiritual side, it is because we believe in loving your neighbor as you love yourself,” President Museveni said. The President, accompanied by the First Lady who is also the Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, made the remarks in a speech at the 14th annual Tarehe Sita Thanksgiving service ceremony of the UPDF, held on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the UPDF headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala. At the event held under the theme: “God's Army serves the people and will always be a beacon of hope”, the Commander-in - Chief emphasized that the UPDF's focus on socio-economic transformation has been central to its evolution into a capable and efficient force, playing a pivotal role in ensuring Uganda's security to cause prosperity to all Ugandans irrespective of their backgrounds. “If you want prosperity for yourself, you should work for prosperity for others because remember what Jesus said; How can you say you love God, whom you have never seen, but you hate your neighbor? You remember that one? So, Jesus was telling you that if you hate human beings, you hate God. So, this is the same. The NRM is a lover of all human beings, irrespective of religion, irrespective of tribes, irrespective of whether they are women or men,” President Museveni added. Drawing evidence from the story of David in the Bible, who transitioned from a shepherd to a king, President Yoweri Museveni illustrated the unexpected paths individuals may take in life, including many UPDF officers who found themselves in roles they never anticipated but have since performed diligently to further the NRM's vision and mission. “So when you are somewhere, God has put you, you are the secretary in the office, or storekeeper, do the work very well,” he noted, while emphasizing the four core principles of the National Resistance Movement (NRM): patriotism, pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy. He believes these principles are essential for Uganda's prosperity and development, especially through promoting trade within Uganda and abroad for many of the products, such as milk, beef, and cement, whose internal market is not enough. “So that's why, when we analyze you people, the people who are telling you about the sectarianism of tribes and religion are your enemies. They don't know what you need. Love Uganda. Why? Because you need it for your prosperity. Love Africa. Why? Because you need it for your own prosperity, whether you love the other Africans or not, but you need them for your own good,” H.E. Museveni stated. President Museveni also praised God for His guidance through his leadership ever since they launched operations to liberate Uganda, drawing reflections from their first attack on Kabamba military barracks on the 6th of February 1981 with an intention to capture 1000 rifles, which never succeeded as expected but later succeeded. “When we attacked Kabamba the first time, we did not succeed completely. We did not get the guns, which were in the underground armoury. A Tanzanian corporal ran into the armoury and did not allow us to enter. And we were disappointed. But later on, I started thinking that it was God who did not allow us to capture those guns that day, because at that time, we were only 41, so we had not yet gathered our manpower to handle those guns. So even if I had captured them, there was a possibility that the government army could have recaptured them from us three days later on the 9th when they attacked us. We did not yet have enough manpower, so I don't know. Definitely, you could see that we were doing our best, but there was a supervisor (God) limiting us in a way. It was 1985 when we finally went and captured these guns when we had enough manpower to handle them. So God, after he kept those guns for us, this time, we managed to capture power,” Gen. Museveni narrated. On her part, Maama Janet hailed the development and formation of the UPDF that mirrors the journey of Uganda as a nation, noting that despite the fact that they lacked a lot during their humble beginnings, such as military machinery, they were driven by their willingness to pay the ultimate sacrifice for Uganda’s freedom. “They didn’t have much, but they had the most important things. Heavenly Father, help our gallant UPDF officers to continue to fear You, to rule justly and in righteousness because this is the secret of their success as an army,” the First Lady said. She added that it was God responsible for the transformation of the UPDF from the early days of the guerrilla fighters with just 27 guns into a professional, disciplined, and focused army whose sole purpose is to defend the people of Uganda. “As Ugandans, we have been very proud of the UPDF, as we have seen, it has become an exporter of peace and stability in the region. In South Sudan, Somalia, the Central African Republic, and beyond. Wherever you have sent the UPDF, peace and stability have ensued,” Maama Janet noted. The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth Oboth welcomed President Museveni and the First Lady to the ceremony that was aimed at reflecting and renewing UPDF’s commitments towards achieving the goals of the liberation of the country in the context of contributions and landmark achievements of the defence sector over the previous years and the commitment towards peace and security. “Your Excellency, we want to thank you for your leadership. We want to thank you as a Ministry for the support you've given us. We've seen enhancements in the salaries of our officers. Your vision is to see that the officers get better. We may not be there yet, but sir, we are better than yesterday,” Minister Oboth said. The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen. Sam Okiding commended President Museveni for building a strong, patriotic and disciplined army that has enabled economic transformation of Uganda. “Your Excellency, the values mentioned in David's army, a mirror in UPDF, commitment to patriotism, professionalism, and discipline. For the UPDF, discipline is not just about obedience; it's about self-control, focus, and commitment to excellence. It's working for us to uphold the high standards even in the most challenging circumstances, defined by loyal, steadfast commitment to their leader and their shared mission,” Gen. Okiding said, adding that the UPDF is driven by the normal mission to protect the people of Uganda. The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Under Secretary in charge of Finance and Administration, Mrs. Edith Butuuro, on behalf of the organizing committee, expressed gratitude to the President for always gracing the ceremony, which has become part of the activities every year, planned for, like any other activity on the calendar. “We pray that all this will be according to God's will and purpose and that we shall work together with you, sir. We pledge allegiance. We pledge ourselves to do everything that we're commanded to do, to follow in your footsteps, to support your vision, and to uphold it,” Mrs. Butuuro said. Col. Dr. Victor Nekesa, the UPDF representative in Parliament, Brig. Gen. David Gonyi, chief of staff of the UPDF Air Force, and Brig. Gen. Michael Kabango earlier led special prayers for the UPDF family, national stability, and peace in the region, respectively. The Chief Executive of Wazalendo SACCO, Brig Gen. Joseph Freddy Onata used the prayer session to appreciate the President for improving the welfare of the UPDF through the Wazalendo SACCO that has improved the morale of the force and the discipline and their efficiency. “This would not have been possible without your guidance and with good leadership from the UPDF and the Ministry of Defence,” Brig Gen. Onata said. The ceremony brought together a total of 2,000 guests from the UPDF fraternity and other government departments.

2025-02-20

GEN. MUHOOZI COMMENDS TAREHE SITA, LIBERATION DAY PARADE PARTICIPANTS

The Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has commended the commanders and participants who took part in the parades during the Liberation Day commemoration in Mubende and the Tarehe Sita celebrations in Kyotera. The same group which executed both parades, received praise for their exceptional performance, which has drawn widespread admiration from Ugandans on social media. Gen. Kainerugaba lauded their discipline, precision, and professionalism, describing the parades as a testament to the high standards of the UPDF. Speaking at a luncheon held to honor the participants, the CDF emphasized the significance of military parades, noting that they are not merely ceremonial events but “a reflection of military readiness, discipline, and unity as a force.” He reiterated that such displays are crucial in demonstrating the UPDF’s capability and commitment to safeguarding the nation. Gen. Kainerugaba also highlighted the importance of continuous improvement, announcing that the recently launched CDF Inter-Forces Drill Competitions will be held annually to further enhance military drills and parade manoeuvres. He urged all participants to embrace the initiative as an opportunity to refine their skills and strengthen teamwork. The luncheon was attended by senior military officials, including Maj. Gen. BD Mugisha, who thanked the CDF for introducing transformative changes that have revolutionized military parades, making them neater and more organized. Col. Justus Nsereko, the parade commander from the Air Force, also expressed gratitude to the CDF for providing all branches of the UPDF with the opportunity to participate in the parades. “Before you took over as CDF, we were often told that our role was limited to air matters,” Col. Nsereko remarked, appreciating the inclusive approach and the luncheon gesture. This marks the second time Gen. Kainerugaba has hosted parade participants, having previously honored those who took part in the Independence Day celebrations last year.

2025-02-18