Museveni accused Mwenda of previously contributing to delays in Uganda’s electricity sector by allegedly opposing the Bujagali Hydropower Project partnership with AES in the early 2000s.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has strongly responded to veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda after the he reportedly referred to him as “senile” and incapable of making sound judgments.
In a lengthy statement, Museveni dismissed the remarks and defended his leadership, saying that despite his age, he remains capable of defending Uganda and his legacy.
“Mr. Mwenda, thank you for declaring me senile and incapable of judging right. You will, however, discover that at 82, I am still able to defend Uganda and myself with the Bible, the AK-47 and the pen,” Museveni said.
The President accused Mwenda of failing to investigate and appreciate local entrepreneurs and innovators whom he said are contributing to Uganda’s economic transformation. Museveni cited individuals such as Magoola, Senfuka, Tugume and Professor Muranga, urging Mwenda to visit their factories and projects instead of criticizing government initiatives.
Museveni also defended government-backed industrialization projects, including Kiira Motors Corporation, saying critics like Mwenda are promoting neo-colonial thinking by opposing efforts aimed at value addition and industrial growth.
“You are ashamed and dare not talk about Kiira Motors because that is a shamer of neo-colonial agents like Mwenda,” Museveni stated.
The President emphasized the importance of value addition, arguing that Africa continues to lose significant revenue by exporting raw materials instead of finished products. He cited examples from the gold and coffee sectors, saying Uganda has made progress after banning the export of unprocessed minerals.
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According to Museveni, Uganda now has 10 gold refineries and gold exports have reached USD 7.48 billion.
Museveni further criticized Mwenda for allegedly undermining government poverty alleviation programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), which he credited for improving household incomes and boosting agricultural production.
“The great Mwenda is talking about small capital for small holders. Does this great Andrew Mwenda live in Uganda?” Museveni asked.
The President also questioned Mwenda’s decision to publicize internal government discussions, including Cabinet matters, suggesting that such actions could discourage investors and development partners.
Museveni accused Mwenda of previously contributing to delays in Uganda’s electricity sector by allegedly opposing the Bujagali Hydropower Project partnership with AES in the early 2000s.
In his remarks, Museveni highlighted achievements in Uganda’s dairy, coffee, fruit, palm oil and steel industries, arguing that the country’s economic growth has continued despite criticism from detractors.
He compared Uganda’s industrialization journey to a child learning how to walk, saying temporary failures should not discourage long-term national transformation efforts.
“As a freedom fighter, I am always stubbornly standing for patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation and democracy,” Museveni said.
He concluded his statement with the phrases “Aluta Continua” and “Victory is certain.”
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