President Museveni has confirmed the arrest of several State House staff members, accusing them of various offences that will be clarified during their upcoming trials in state courts.
In response to social media speculation, Museveni addressed both the facts surrounding the arrests and the falsehoods circulating about key figures such as Abu Mukasa and Prossy Nalweyiso.
The President emphasised that while the arrests were made on his orders based on intelligence reports, allegations linking Mukasa and Nalweyiso to criminal activity are unfounded.
“Why, then, bring in the names of Abu Mukasa, a very active NRM supporter, investor, and mobilizer of more investors from outside Uganda, and Prossy Nalweyiso, a veteran female warrior of the Ugandan People’s Resistance?” Museveni questioned.
Highlighting Mukasa’s contributions to Uganda’s economic development, the President pointed to his role in attracting major investments, including Vittol, a bulk fuel supply company that offered fuel products at significantly lower prices than competitors.
“Abu Mukasa had linked us with a very active UAE investor known as Sheikh Maktoum… After a long struggle with the parasites, Uganda is now getting cheaper petroleum products,” Museveni stated.
Museveni also addressed Nalweyiso’s long-standing service to the National Resistance Movement (NRM), dismissing claims that her lack of formal education diminishes her contributions.
“Yes, she is not highly educated. However, the majority of the NRA freedom fighters were even less educated than Nalweyiso. Nevertheless, these uneducated Ugandans liberated both the uneducated and the educated,” Museveni defended.
He condemned what he referred to as “parasites” for undermining Uganda’s economic progress through false reports aimed at discrediting key investors and leaders.
“The big problem for the parasites seems to be the unstoppable growth of Uganda’s economy… the economy is growing robustly,” he affirmed.
President Museveni assured the public that the state would take legal action against those attempting to destabilise the country through misinformation and blackmail, urging Ugandans to recognise the tactics employed by these individuals.
“We shall use the law to deal with these parasites,” he said.
Museveni also underscored the NRM’s approach to leadership and economic strategy, emphasising the effective integration of both educated and less formally educated individuals within its ranks.
He noted that this blend of backgrounds has been instrumental in the party’s success and Uganda’s ongoing development.
“The NRM, long ago, learnt how to use our modestly educated fighters alongside the educated ones,” he stated.
He referenced the roles of various leaders within the party, noting that while political commissars and intelligence officers often hailed from prestigious institutions, many combat commanders were secondary school leavers or less formally educated.
“Educated traitors are poison for Africa,” he added, criticising those who oppose the NRM’s objectives.
The President pointed to the robust growth of Uganda’s economy as evidence of the NRM’s successful governance, attributing this growth to strategic decisions such as addressing the setbacks caused by the 6th Parliament’s decision to block the Bujagali dam in 2002.
“The big problem for the parasites seems to be the unstoppable growth of Uganda’s economy,” he said, emphasising the influx of investments from countries like China, India, and the UAE.
Museveni also condemned “parasites” attempting to undermine Uganda’s progress through misinformation and blackmail. “Therefore, the parasites are resorting to online black-mailers,” he stated, urging Ugandans to be vigilant against such tactics.
He expressed concern that these individuals fabricate negative narratives about legitimate investors to drive them away from the country.
“Sometimes, they even demand money: ‘Pay us if you do not want us to write bad stories about you,’” Museveni revealed.
The President reassured the public that the government would take legal action against those perpetuating these misleading narratives, calling for unity in recognising the threats posed by misinformation.
Museveni concluded by praising the contributions of key NRM figures like Prossy Nalweyiso, emphasising her dedication to educating Ugandans about the party’s history and struggles.
He highlighted her connections to well-educated professionals who support her efforts, reinforcing the NRM’s belief in a coalition of knowledge and patriotism.
