President Museveni has strongly defended the recent actions of his son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, saying they have helped to restore discipline, accountability and the rule of law in Uganda.
In a lengthy public address, Museveni said Muhoozi, who is the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), had correctly identified weaknesses in law enforcement and had played an important role in strengthening the country’s security.
He was responding to concerns raised by members of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda about human rights, justice, the economy, and environmental protection.
Museveni said Uganda’s peace and stability were built through years of sacrifice by the National Resistance Army (NRA) during the liberation struggle.
He argued that the country’s security forces had a duty to protect those achievements by dealing firmly with crime, corruption, and what he described as growing impunity.
He said many of the original NRA commanders died in the years after the movement took power in 1986. According to him, some of those who later joined the army lacked the same commitment, allowing corruption and poor discipline to take root.
The president said he recognised the danger early and encouraged Muhoozi, shortly after completing Senior Six, to recruit fellow young Ugandans for ideological and military training at Kasenyi.
Museveni said the group received systematic military and ideological training that prepared them to defend the country and uphold the values of the National Resistance Movement.
He said recent operations by security agencies were intended to close the gaps that had allowed corruption, crime, and lawlessness to continue.
“The recent limited actions by security forces against some individuals and institutions are long overdue actions to fill those gaps,” Museveni said.
He also credited Muhoozi with highlighting what Museveni described as double standards among some government critics.
Museveni said Muhoozi had observed that many Ugandans who criticise media restrictions at home often visit countries such as Dubai, where press freedoms are more tightly controlled, without raising similar complaints.
Muhoozi’s recent actions have attracted widespread attention and criticism about the conduct of security agencies under his leadership.
He has repeatedly used social media to make controversial political comments, including attacks on opposition figures, judges, the media, and foreign diplomats.
Critics have argued that some of Muhoozi’s statements and actions undermine democratic institutions and the rule of law. At the same time, his supporters say he is taking a firm stance against individuals they accuse of threatening Uganda’s security and stability.
Museveni dismissed claims by opposition leaders and critics that the country was returning to the dark days before the NRM came to power.
He said the slogan “Bizeemu”, used by some critics to suggest that past abuses had returned, was misleading.
According to Museveni, the situation today is different because suspects are taken to court instead of being killed or disappearing without trial, as happened under previous governments.
He pointed to the case of opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye, saying his court appearances demonstrated that the legal system was functioning.
Museveni also defended the refusal to grant bail to some suspects arrested in recent security operations.
He said some accused persons could interfere with witnesses if released before trial.
He accused sections of the opposition of encouraging violence over the years through riots, attacks on security officers, and threats to disrupt constitutional processes.
Museveni also said corruption remained a major obstacle to Uganda’s development.
He praised Fred Byamukama, the minister of Works and Transport, for exposing a bribery racket operating within State House, where officials allegedly demanded Shs30 million to deliver documents to the president.
Museveni said those involved were arrested as part of a broader campaign against corruption and abuse of office.
He also defended the removal of street hawkers from city pavements, arguing that the move would improve public health, road safety and tax compliance while protecting formal businesses.
Museveni called on Ugandans to participate in the upcoming NRM village meetings, local council elections, and women’s council elections.
He said electing honest local leaders and reporting corrupt officials would help strengthen accountability and improve public service delivery.
