President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has accused European powers of stirring unrest in East Africa, alleging that foreign actors are misleading the youth in neighboring Tanzania and other countries in a bid to destabilize the region and derail Uganda’s growing industrial and oil ambitions.
Speaking during a live radio talk show at Mbale State Lodge on Saturday, Museveni claimed that some Western nations “worried about Uganda’s progress” are funding and influencing unrest in the region to undermine Africa’s push toward self-reliance.
“Most of these children being misled in Tanzania and other countries are being confused by European powers that are worried about Uganda’s progress,” said Museveni.
His remarks came amid reports of deadly unrest in Tanzania, where dozens of people were killed and scores injured following violent clashes after last month’s disputed local elections. The Tanzanian security forces were deployed in major towns including Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Arusha to contain the riots, which many observers said reflected growing frustration among the youth.
Museveni suggested that the violence was “foreign-inspired,” accusing European interests of funding chaos to weaken African governments that are pursuing industrialization and resource independence.
“Foreign powers cannot accept a strong and self-reliant Africa,” Museveni said, emphasizing that the continent’s progress threatens external influence and control.
The president’s warning comes at a time of heightened political tension across the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region, with protests and instability reported in Tanzania, Kenya, and Sudan. Museveni framed the turmoil as part of a wider geopolitical contest between Africa’s emerging economies and lingering Western dominance.
Highlighting Uganda’s record of peace and stability under the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Museveni credited national unity and the creation of a professional army as the pillars of Uganda’s continued progress.
“Our strength lies in peace and unity. We have built a strong national army capable of defending our country and ensuring that Uganda continues on its path of development,” he said.
Museveni concluded by urging African nations to remain vigilant against external manipulation, stressing that regional cooperation and industrial growth are the keys to true independence.
