Museveni made the remarks on Thursday, July 25, 2024, while accusing 'imperialists' of sponsoring the protests witnessed in the country on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.
In a statement shared on social media, the Ugandan Head of State said he had received credible intelligence that the protests were sponsored. He warned that he won't allow 'imperialists' to meddle with the internal affairs of Uganda.
'All those involved should know that Uganda is not a neo-colony where those shallow schemes can be deployed,' President Museveni stated.
Museveni noted that organizers and participants of the demonstrations were 'planning very bad things' and the 'evidence in court will shock many'.
'Those very bad things will come out in court when those arrested are being tried,' Museveni said as he lauded the security forces for foiling the demonstrations.
He argued that if the protests were patriotic, peaceful and coordinated with the police he would have been the first to join.
The President contrasted the failed protest with a past anti-corruption march in 2019 organized by Ugandan military officer Lt. Col. Edith Nakalema, saying he was ready to participate in a similar exercise.
'In the year 2019, Nakalema organized us and we marched from the city Square through Kampala Road to Jinja Road and went to Kololo. So many people were there- Bishops, Soldiers, Wanainchi, etc.
'…Nakalema can co-ordinate with the genuine anti-corruption fighters for a similar effort, especially on a Sunday,' he added.
He, however, emphasized that heavily populated suburbs in the country should never be used for demonstration as they will 'damage the little wealth creation that our people are painstakingly building up'.
More than 70 youths accusing members of parliament of graft were arrested on Tuesday during a march to parliament.
The protesters stormed the streets of Kampala after drawing inspiration from weeks of youth-led protests in Kenya that forced President William Ruto to dissolve his cabinet and withdraw proposed tax hikes.
The Ugandan Head of State had warned against such demonstrations, saying those behind the plans were "playing with fire".
Wycliffe Nyamasege
