Tag: Yoweri Museveni

As the opposition in Uganda mounts pressure on Western powers to take action on the government’s human rights record, president Yoweri Museveni on Sunday warned against foreign interference in the country’s politics. Museveni also accused some unnamed foreign countries of seeking to influence the nation’s politics by funnelling assistance to the opposition through non-governmental organisations. “It is important that external players refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of other countries,” Museveni told a press conference on Sunday. Kyagulanyi and fellow parliamentarian Francis Zaake say they were tortured by security forces while in detention in August. The case led to protests against Museveni. Kyagulanyi, who has emerged as a formidable threat to the president, was charged with treason over his alleged role in the stoning of Museveni’s convoy during campaigning for a parliamentary seat. The government in Kampala denies torturing Kyagulanyi. Museveni’s security forces In power since 1986, Museveni has been widely accused by opposition critics and rights campaigners of using security forces to suppress opposition to his rule. “NGOs (non-governmental organisations) funded by foreign governments actually give money to opposition players, give advice, lie on their behalf,” Museveni said. In July, the constitution was amended to remove the presidential age limit of 75 years, meaning Museveni can run again for president in 2021 — the year the country hopes to begin oil production.