President Museveni has spoken out on the growing pressure Uganda is getting from outside countries because of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, saying that the country is standing strong, and will not give in to the desires of the West.
The President made the remarks on Friday 22nd December 2023 while delivering his Christmas message to Ugandans at State House, Entebbe.
“The pressures we are getting from outside about the homosexuality law, some of the people may be worried but I’m not worried at all this is because this is an opportunity to clarify one point that Uganda can stand on its own and some of us are indigenous people of this area, this is our area for the last 1,000 years. We have been active here, the Europeans came for a short period and went, our communities are very strong,” he said.
“For me, I’m confident that we shall manage, and you can see our economy is growing, our inflation is one of the lowest now. And I would advise those putting us under pressure to stop because it is not good for them, we shall prove our point that African countries can stand on their own.”
He also urged Ugandans to be vigilant in dealing with the issue of terrorism most especially during this festive season.
“I want to thank H.E Felix Tshisekedi for allowing us to hunt ADF in Congo and we are doing it very well. We are going to wipe out those groups and their leaders who are in Congo who send these young people to come and die here.”
He added: “In the meantime, even during this festive season, I would like you to be on alert because even though the border is open; we don’t close it. I discourage the idea of roadblocks because they are blind so somebody from Congo can enter Uganda. What is crucial is the intelligence which we have.”
President Museveni also tasked Ugandans to create wealth through commercial agriculture, specifically, from the four-acre model type of farming.
On the other hand, he rallied Ugandans to join hands in the fight against corruption.
“The corrupt are the few and the majority are the victims so it is easy to isolate the corrupt people and we shall definitely do it. I want everybody to take part in this fight against corruption because it is the one wasting our time,” President Museveni said.
“Finally, we need to emphasise regional integration by linking up and showing other East Africans the win-win of involvement in the integration. Everybody should wake up and support regional integration and know it is the correct way.”
“I congratulate everybody for nearly ending 2023, we are remaining with a few days. God should be praised for bringing us this far,” he said.
The media interaction session was moderated by the Senior Press Secretary to H.E. the President, Mr Sandor Walusimbi and the Deputy Press Secretary to H.E. the President, Mr Faruk Kirunda.
The meeting was also attended by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, and the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa.
