President Museveni has warned that Uganda will not tolerate foreign interference disguised as activism, following the release of two Kenyan nationals arrested for alleged subversive activities.
Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo were released on Saturday by security after detention for five weeks.
Speaking at Mbale State Lodge on Saturday night, Museveni said intelligence reports had linked the duo to the National Unity Platform (NUP), claiming they were in Uganda to train young people in riot coordination.
“We got two Kenyans we arrested. They came and were working with Kyagulanyi’s group, that they were experts in riots. They had come to train our people,” Museveni said.
“With good intelligence, we got them up and have been with us for some time.”
Speaking about the matter for the first time, the president revealed that the pair was released after intervention from Kenyan leaders.
“Some Kenyan leaders rang me that we either put them in jail here or give them back,” he said.
There have been reports that former Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta had intervened and asked President Museveni to pardon the two activists.
Speaking on Saturday night, Museveni accused certain foreign actors of backing opposition-linked mobilisations to destabilize Uganda, warning that their plans would not succeed.
“We are monitoring them. What these foreigners are afraid of is that Uganda is growing strong — industries are growing, we don’t lack anything, and we are now going to get our oil. They are very worried,” he noted.
He alleged that some of these foreign interests were secretly funding youths to organize violent protests, referencing past unrests such as the November 2020 riots.
“They have been trying to do it for a long time — to burn Kampala. You remember the tajja kulayira!” Museveni said.
He warned those “misleading children” into violent political actions that they risk severe consequences.
“In the November 2020 riots, when they said they would burn down Kampala, the army intervened and some died. We normally defeat these schemes with counter mobilisation,” he said.
Despite the warning, Museveni said his government recognizes the right to peaceful demonstrations as long as they are non-destructive.
“If you are angry, you can demonstrate and go to Kololo to show you are not happy, but don’t attack anybody. Just show you don’t agree with what I’m doing. If you take over as new government and you previously burnt everything, what will you take over?” he said.
Museveni also warned those planning to cause chaos during the forthcoming 2026 general elections that they shouldn’t risk.
“Nobody can play around here. You go and play those games in other parts of Africa not here. We normally follow all those shallow things. Some of our young people misinform foreigners. Nobody can disturb our peace. Anybody who disturbs us, we shall just pick him and that will be the end of the story.”
“We are very strict with our lawyers. Previously, someone does these bad things and is given bail but courts are now strict and no longer give bail .Nobody will disturb our peace and anybody who tries, we will deal with them,” Museveni warned.
