Museveni says Uganda will not join ‘tribal wars’ between Jews and neighbours

By Skika Reporter

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has said Uganda will not be drawn into what he described as “tribal fights” between the Jews and their Middle East neighbours, stressing that the country should avoid involvement in conflicts rooted in ethnic rivalries.

The President made the remarks on Wednesday during the 45th Tarehe Sita thanksgiving ceremony held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs in Mbuya, Kampala.

The comments came at a time when the United States and Israel are reportedly carrying out coordinated military strikes against Iran.

“We need to understand those tribes. Were they tribal fights or spiritual fights? Because God was supporting the Jews because they were believing in God while the other ones were believing in pagans,” Museveni said.

“So there, I will be part of that war – the spiritual war between paganism and believing in God. But the tribal fights among the Jews and their neighbours, I don’t know whether I want to be part of those fights,” he added.

45 years since Tarehe Sita

The thanksgiving followed the 45th anniversary of Tarehe Sita, which commemorates the launch of the armed struggle by the National Resistance Army/Movement against the government of former President Milton Obote on February 6, 1981.

The rebels eventually seized power in 1986 after a five-year guerrilla war and have governed Uganda since.

Religion and the Middle East conflict

Museveni also addressed religious interpretations of the Middle East conflict, noting that some Christians believe they are obligated to support Israel in battles against Arab and Persian neighbours based on Old Testament teachings.

However, he argued that the crucifixion of Jesus Christ ended the historic divide between Jews and Gentiles.

“Our interpretation that time was Jesus has united the Jews and Gentiles,” Museveni said, referencing the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, which teaches that a neighbour is anyone in need regardless of race or creed.

Reflecting on Uganda’s past struggles

Turning to Uganda’s history, Museveni said the success of the National Resistance Army’s rebellion was aided by what he described as divine intervention.

He also warned that younger generations may not fully appreciate the hardships the country endured before the current government took power.

“My Bazzukulu today have not seen the shortages, killings, brutalities of old armies, impassable roads, or early childhood deaths,” he said. “We must continue to address poverty, corruption, poor roads, education gaps, and health sector issues.”

The President revealed that land has been secured to build a museum dedicated to the resistance struggle, aimed at preserving the history of the revolution for future generations.

Leaders reflect on Tarehe Sita

The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Jacob Oboth-Oboth, said the thanksgiving ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect on Uganda’s progress and renew commitment to national development.

“With the theme of defending the gains and sacrifices of our national fighters, we come together to thank God for the many blessings bestowed upon our country,” he said.

Retired Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Luke Orombi, also prayed for continued dedication within the national army.

“I thank God for our national army. May you continue to remain a people’s army, guided by purpose and faith,” Orombi said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Sam Okiding, representing Chief of Defence Forces and First Son Muhoozi Kainerugaba, said the 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations offered an opportunity to honour sacrifices and reflect on the country’s journey.

“We marked the 45th Tarehe Sita in Kabale on February 6 under the theme of defending and protecting the gains of the revolution, and honouring the sacrifices of the freedom fighters,” Okiding said.