President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged the Libyan leadership to ensure that all citizens are fully involved in shaping their country’s future through transparent and inclusive national elections, emphasising that genuine peace can only be achieved when power returns to the people.
The President made the call on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, during a meeting with a high-level Libyan delegation on the sidelines of the 19th Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
“Libya belongs to the Libyan people. All the owners of the country — every Libyan — must be asked what should be done through peaceful elections,” President Museveni said, stressing that political disagreements among leaders should never deprive citizens of their right to choose their government.
“If there are arguments among leaders, why not ask the people? Why should anyone just take over my home as if I have no say?” he added.
Museveni Decries Prolonged Division
Nearly fifteen years after the fall of former President Muammar Gaddafi, Libya remains politically divided between two rival administrations: the Government of National Unity (GNU) based in Tripoli, and the Government of National Stability (GNS) in Benghazi. The stalemate has hampered governance, national security, and service delivery, leaving millions of Libyans trapped in uncertainty.
President Museveni described this prolonged division as “unfair” to the people of Libya and urged leaders to prioritise reconciliation and national interest over factional politics.
“Here in Uganda, we had bad leaders like Idi Amin, but all their supporters took part in elections because we have no right to remove them — it’s their country. People must continue with their normal rights,” he said, drawing a parallel with Uganda’s own democratic journey.
Uganda and Egypt to Support Libyan Peace
President Museveni revealed that he has been in contact with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to coordinate efforts toward a peaceful settlement in Libya.
“I am glad because I agreed with President Al-Sisi to work together, but I hadn’t followed up. Now, your visit has encouraged me,” he told the delegation.
“If all Libyan factions agree to have elections for all Libyans — not just a few — it will stop ruining the country.”
He reiterated that Africa must take an active role in mediating internal conflicts and supporting homegrown solutions that foster continental unity and stability.
Libyan Delegation Commends Museveni’s Leadership
The Libyan delegation was led by Mr Musbah Abouksham, Head of the General Assembly Department and Minister of Foreign Affairs, who conveyed warm greetings from H.E. Mohamed Al-Menfi, President of the Presidential Council of Libya.
Mr Abouksham expressed gratitude to Uganda for its consistent support for African peace and stability initiatives, reaffirming Libya’s commitment to organising transparent and inclusive elections.
“We need your advice and support for our politicians in Libya. Any initiative to ensure citizens’ participation in elections will be highly appreciated,” he said.
“An African leader like Yoweri Museveni is highly respected by all Libyans — east or west — because you have never intervened negatively in Libya.”
He also shared a personal connection to Uganda, recalling that he spent part of his youth in the country between 1995 and 1998 while his father served as a Libyan diplomat.
“Part of my education and culture was shaped here,” he said, adding that Libya is eager to strengthen its investments in Uganda.
Mr Abouksham also extended best wishes to President Museveni ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections, saying his continued leadership represents stability not only for Uganda but for the African continent.
“We are sure that you are the best choice to lead Uganda in the coming period. Your victory will not only be for the Ugandan people but for the entire African people,” he remarked.
Shared Vision for African-Led Solutions
President Museveni’s appeal for inclusive elections in Libya aligns with the broader African Union and Non-Aligned Movement principles of promoting homegrown solutions to political challenges across the continent.
The Libyan delegation also included Hon. Fatalla Elzuni, Minister for Youth and Special Envoy of the Prime Minister to Africa; H.E. Ibrahim Ahmed Sultan, Libya’s Ambassador to Uganda; and Mr Sofian Belkher, Director of the International Organisations Department.
Ugandan officials present included Hon. Okello Oryem, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Mr Vincent Bagiire, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and other senior officials.