Museveni Accuses EU States of Backing Opposition to Destabilise Uganda
Kampala, Uganda — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reiterated claims that some member states of the European Union (EU) are supporting sections of Uganda’s political opposition in an effort to destabilise the country, allegations that opposition leaders have repeatedly denied.
Speaking on Tuesday during a media briefing at the conclusion of his campaign activities in the greater Masaka sub-region, Museveni accused the National Unity Platform (NUP) and elements within the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) of harbouring what he described as “evil intentions” against both his government and the nation.
The President claimed that certain Western countries are unsettled by Uganda’s development trajectory and long-term prospects, and are therefore using opposition politicians as instruments to undermine stability.
Museveni’s remarks came shortly after he met a group of parliamentary candidates from the NUP who had withdrawn from the race ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
The candidates included Godfrey Bainogisha (Ishaka Municipality), Mackline Kabugho (Busongola South), John Twino (Ntoroko County), Alish Amin Kanu (Lower Madi), Gloria Aciro (Woman MP, Madi-Okollo), Gadi Karamadi (Ruhama County), and Sam Koojo (Bunyangabo County), among others.
According to the President, discussions with opposition politicians who have recently defected to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) revealed that many had initially joined opposition parties without fully understanding their agendas.
He claimed that upon discovering what he termed “evil plans” against the country, some chose to abandon the opposition.
Museveni used the occasion to highlight what he described as the NRM’s achievements in transforming Uganda’s economy through its seven-pillar ideological framework.
He cited improvements in national security, infrastructure development, social services, agriculture, job creation and wealth generation as key drivers of economic growth and national stability.
The President also renewed his call for Ugandans to support the proposed East African regional federation, arguing that deeper regional integration would expand markets for agricultural produce, boost incomes and accelerate development.
He said member states of the East African Community stood to benefit from shared technological advancement and collective economic strength.
In a separate warning, Museveni cautioned against what he described as selfish individuals involved in illegal land evictions, saying the government was preparing to take tough action to protect citizens’ land rights.
Meanwhile, NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi has consistently dismissed claims that his party receives foreign backing to destabilise Uganda.
He has argued that such allegations reflect anxiety within the ruling establishment over growing public demand for political change after nearly four decades of NRM rule.
On the campaign trail, Kyagulanyi has continued to frame his challenge to the incumbent government as a peaceful struggle aimed at achieving democratic transition and restoring power to the people.
