Ugandan MP Blasts EU Envoys for Meeting with Gen. Saleh: “A Dangerous Detour from Democratic Norms
KAMPALA, UGANDA — Ugandan Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Muwada Nkunyingi has sharply criticized a recent meeting between European Union (EU) envoys and General Salim Saleh, the brother of President Yoweri Museveni and a key figure in Uganda’s military and political landscape. The meeting, which reportedly took place without the involvement of any elected civilian authorities, has sparked a wave of concern among opposition leaders and civil society actors.
Nkunyingi, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Kyadondo East, accused the EU diplomats of legitimizing military dominance in Uganda’s governance structure by engaging with Saleh, a retired General with no formal diplomatic or elected mandate. “This meeting sends the wrong message,” Nkunyingi said. “It undermines the principles of democracy, accountability, and the sovereignty of elected civilian institutions.”
He argued that by holding such high-level engagements with military actors, the EU risks eroding the credibility of its stated commitment to democratic governance, human rights, and civilian-led development in Uganda. “The EU has consistently positioned itself as a partner in Uganda’s democratic progress,” Nkunyingi noted, “but this action contradicts that position.”
The controversy comes at a time when Uganda is under increasing scrutiny for its democratic backsliding, heightened militarization of political affairs, and shrinking civic space. Saleh, despite being retired from the military, is widely seen as a behind-the-scenes power broker and a central figure in Uganda’s patronage networks.
In defense, EU officials maintained that their engagement was part of broader efforts to understand the political and development dynamics in Uganda. They emphasized that they regularly meet a wide range of stakeholders, including opposition leaders and civil society, and reiterated their commitment to supporting inclusive governance.
However, Nkunyingi remained unmoved. “Democratic values are not advanced by holding secretive talks with shadowy military figures,” he said. “Such actions only embolden the creeping militarization of Uganda’s civilian institutions and marginalize those who have been democratically elected to represent the people.”
The incident has revived ongoing debate within Uganda about the role of the military in governance and the international community’s approach to diplomacy in authoritarian-leaning states. Many observers now call on the EU to clarify its diplomatic strategies in Uganda and ensure that future engagements reinforce — rather than erode — the tenets of democracy and civilian leadership.
As Uganda gears up for its next electoral cycle, the spotlight is likely to remain on how international partners navigate their relationships with the Museveni regime — and whether they will prioritize democratic principles over convenience and influence.
