Museveni’s Government Under Fire: Failing to Protect Ugandans Amidst Rising Terrorism Threats

By Clinton Mirrors Ampaire

Kampala, Uganda – In a scathing critique, President Yoweri Museveni has accused Western powers of turning a blind eye to the escalating terrorism menace in Africa. His government, however, faces mounting criticism for its own inability to safeguard Ugandans and their properties from the very threats he denounces.
Todays Report on Terrorist Attack

The West’s Role and Museveni’s Lament
President Museveni’s latest missive1 lambasts Western nations for their failure to effectively combat terrorism on the African continent. He contends that some of these actors, who often position themselves as global policemen, either create or perpetuate the very chaos they claim to fight against.

“The chaos in Libya and the surrounding Sahel countries (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, etc.) was caused by some of these actors,” Museveni asserts. He further points out that the United Nations (UN), an organization ostensibly committed to peace and security, has been complicit in the “terrorism conservation project” in Eastern Congo for the past two decades1. This project, he claims, has allowed killers and militants to operate with impunity, undermining the economic future of the Great Lakes region.

Failures on Home Soil
While Museveni criticizes external actors, his own government faces serious challenges within Uganda. Here are some key points:

Terrorism Threats: Despite Museveni’s strong words, terrorist groups continue to pose a significant threat to Ugandans. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), responsible for attacks in the region, remains a formidable adversary. Recent incidents include the killing of children at Lubhiriha secondary school, attacks on tourists in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and violence in Kasese1.

Unemployment Crisis: Over 75% of Ugandans are below 30 years old, and many of them are unemployed. The disillusionment among the youth is palpable, especially when presidential speeches hark back to victories from a bush war that occurred before their time2.

Social Discontent: Museveni’s rule faces growing discontent from citizens who demand better governance, economic opportunities, and improved security. The failure to address these concerns has eroded public trust in the government.

A Call for Action
President Museveni’s rhetoric against external actors must be matched by concrete actions within Uganda. While he praises the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for allowing Ugandan forces to hunt down ADF militants, the real test lies in protecting Ugandans at home. The UN’s role in Eastern Congo remains a contentious issue, but Museveni’s government must also address its own shortcomings.

As the nation grapples with security challenges, it remains to be seen whether Museveni’s administration can rise to the occasion. The legacy of Uganda’s elders—Nyerere, Nkrumah, Mandela, Musaazi, Lumumba—hangs in the balance. The fight against terrorism demands more than words; it requires decisive action to secure the safety and prosperity of Ugandans.