President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has strongly cautioned Ugandans against sectarian politics based on religion and race, warning that such divisions have destroyed otherwise strong nations across Africa.
Speaking on Friday at the annual End-of-Year Thanksgiving Prayers held at State House, Entebbe, President Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni hosted religious leaders, members of the Diplomatic Corps, legislators, ministers, judges, and senior military officials.
Museveni said Uganda’s stability and progress under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) are rooted in the rejection of sectarianism long before the formation of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda in 2001.
“I reminded them that the Inter-Religious Council came long after the NRM had already rejected sectarianism. When you come to me and waste my time with sectarianism of religion or tribe, nkugambirawo sitani nvako,” Museveni said.
Lessons from Africa’s Conflicts
Drawing lessons from the collapse of Sudan, Museveni warned that sectarianism fueled by religion and race can tear nations apart.
“Some countries in Africa have been destroyed by sectarianism of religion and race. Sudan was once a very powerful state, but it disintegrated because of sectarianism. We advised their leaders to stop it, but they didn’t listen—and you can see where the country is now,” he noted.
He added that many of Africa’s ongoing problems are driven by what he described as “parasite groups” supported by foreign interests seeking to create instability.
“Many of the problems in Africa are caused by parasite groups backed by foreigners who want to create violence. Nobody will create chaos in Uganda. Whoever tries will end up badly,” Museveni warned.
Self-Reliance and Economic Strength
The President linked Uganda’s resilience to self-reliance and indigenous economic systems, citing the revival of traditional cooperatives such as Emyooga.
He explained that before colonial disruption, African societies had systems that ensured productivity and employment, which the NRM has worked to modernise.
“The traditional Emyooga system ensured zero unemployment. Colonialism disrupted it, but the NRM revived and modernised these capacities. That is why Uganda today has food security, industries, and a resilient economy,” he said.
Museveni also urged leaders to actively use Local Council (LC) structures to fight corruption and improve service delivery.
“Issues like corruption and poor service delivery can be solved if we properly use the elected LC structures to protect public resources,” he stressed.
Call for Unity Ahead of 2026
As the country heads toward the 2026 general elections, Museveni reiterated his long-standing call for unity, discipline, and wealth creation.
“This region is a culture of wealth creators who depend on their own effort. We must reject those trying to revive sectarianism and remain focused on unity and progress,” he concluded.
The Thanksgiving Prayers underscored Museveni’s continued message that Uganda’s future depends on rejecting divisive politics and strengthening self-reliance and national cohesion.
