COMMENT | YOWERI KAGUTA MUSEVENI My social media team has alerted me to various stories circulating online that contain a mix of truth and falsehoods aimed at discrediting us. It is accurate that, under my direction, some staff members at State House have been arrested based on intelligence reports, and they are currently facing charges in court.
The details surrounding these alleged offences will be revealed during the trial. However, I question the relevance of mentioning individuals like Abu Mukasa, a dedicated NRM supporter and significant investor who has worked to attract foreign investments to Uganda, and Prossy Nalweyiso, a veteran of the Ugandan People’s resistance.
Abu Mukasa has played a crucial role in bringing billions of dollars in investments to Uganda. This seems to be his “crime” in the eyes of those who wish to see Uganda’s economy stagnate for their own benefit. He established a multi-billion-dollar fuel supply company, Vittol, which offered us significantly lower prices for petroleum products compared to local suppliers, who were profiting through corruption and negligence. Thanks to his efforts, we are now able to access cheaper fuel, forcing local sellers to adjust their prices.
Abu Mukasa has also connected us with influential investors, such as Sheikh Maktoum from the UAE, who has facilitated further investments in air cargo, gold refining, and agricultural exports. After overcoming various challenges, we are now benefitting from these partnerships, which have greatly improved our petroleum supply situation.
Regarding Nalweyiso, while she may not have a high level of formal education, she has been a steadfast member of the NRM. It’s worth noting that many of our NRA freedom fighters had limited education yet successfully liberated the nation from misgovernance. The contributions of individuals like Nalweyiso are crucial, as they helped address pressing issues in the past, such as shortages of essential goods and rampant black market activities.
In 1986, Uganda faced severe shortages, and it was the efforts of fighters, many of whom were less formally educated, that helped resolve these challenges. We continue to face problems today, such as unemployment and poverty, but we have made significant progress in overcoming previous crises.
The NRM has long recognized the value of combining the talents of both educated and less formally educated individuals. Our leadership has evolved to include commanders who possess both education and combat experience. Africa requires patriots, regardless of their educational background; educated traitors can be more damaging than uneducated patriots.
The current dilemma for those opposed to our progress seems to stem from the unstoppable growth of Uganda’s economy. Thanks to the strategic and ideological foundations laid by the NRM, our economy is thriving, especially following the resolution of past mistakes like the Bujagali dam blockage.
Investments are pouring in from various countries, including China, India, and the UAE. Our agricultural sector is also robust and will soon transition to irrigation. The strength of our security forces, including the UPDF, ensures peace and stability.
In response to our progress, some individuals resort to online smear campaigns to intimidate good investors, such as Sheikh Maktoum. We must be vigilant and recognize these tactics. Often, these blackmailers demand money in exchange for not spreading false information.
We will employ legal measures to confront these parasites. It's essential for Ugandans to remain aware of these threats. Nalweyiso is supported by highly educated professionals, including lawyers and economists, and she plays an important role in educating the public about our history and struggles.
I first encountered Nalweyiso in Kikunyu in August 1981 and met Abu Mukasa years ago in Washington, where he shared his story of perseverance and initiative that linked him to significant opportunities.
Such initiatives from our youth are commendable. Let’s continue to support and uplift each other.
