Museveni Clarifies Presidential Donations, Warns on Monetization of Politics

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has congratulated the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and its members for conducting what he described as largely peaceful and fraud-free party primaries for Local Council V Chairpersons, Mayors, and Councillors held on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Museveni commended the “record” turnout of 7.95 million participants, calling it a significant achievement, especially for mid-week elections that typically generate less excitement than parliamentary or presidential contests.

“I congratulate the Ugandans that are members of the NRM on account of, apparently, a much more peaceful and fraud-free primaries… This is not bad at all if you bear in mind that this was, again, mid-week and on a working day,” Museveni stated.

Criminality Deterred, But Probe Continues

The President acknowledged isolated incidents of disruption in areas such as Arua but praised security forces and electoral officials for swiftly containing any attempts at violence or malpractice.

So far, 333 individuals have been arrested, with 48 charged in court, including 13 NRM district registrars, primarily over alleged result tampering during the earlier primaries for MPs held on July 17. Investigations into voter bribery and related electoral offenses remain ongoing.

“The more peaceful and fraud-free nature of the exercise on Thursday is on account of the decisive anti-crime actions we took after the mistake-makers in the MP primaries,” he noted.

Clarifies on Presidential Donations

Museveni used the occasion to respond to criticism over his practice of giving out money during public events—particularly from opposition figure Hon. Kivumbi, who likened it to voter bribery.

He dismissed the comparison, explaining that his cash donations—often in the form of “brown envelopes”—are not electoral bribes but rewards (Kurongoora) for exceptional service or performance.

“The brown envelope Museveni gives… is a glorious one. It is the official envelope of the Republic of Uganda, given by the President to deserving people—farmers, dancers, the elderly,” Museveni said.

He cited a recent example in Patongo, where he donated UGX 5 million to a group of traditional Bwola dancers as recognition of their cultural preservation efforts.

Museveni emphasized that Kurongoora is distinct from Kuyaamba (help), such as supporting elderly individuals or people with disabilities.

“Hon. Kivumbi is not the President of Uganda and has no budget for Kurongoora… He can think of a more modest figure for Kivuuwa dancers—like offertory in Church,” Museveni quipped.

Warning on Monetization of Politics

Museveni reiterated his long-standing opposition to the use of money in politics, blaming its rise on the expansion of electoral competition since 1996.

“The use of money for politics, beyond the legitimate needs of logistics, is in spite of my vision and that of the NRM—not because of us,” he said. “If people thought that was clever politics, they now, I am sure, see the danger.”

He called on all NRM members and Ugandans to continue working together to uphold integrity and eliminate voter bribery, which he described as a “mistake” that threatens the very foundation of democracy.