KAMPALA, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni on Friday dismissed allegations that members of parliament received 100 million Ugandan shillings each from classified funds, accusing the opposition and a local newspaper of spreading politically motivated propaganda.
Museveni, in a strongly worded statement, specifically targeted Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi and the Daily Monitor newspaper, claiming they were engaged in a deliberate campaign to undermine the government.
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“Last night, on UBC, I saw a cluster of Opposition MPs, led by a one Kivumbi, expending a lot of energy, on the supposed sh. 100 million per person given to MPs through classified Funds, etc,” Museveni said. “In this campaign, these Opposition MPs are supported by the anti-Ugandan newspaper known as ‘Monitor’.”
Defending the use of classified funds, Museveni said they are used to purchase classified equipment and to counter threats to national security. “Has this helped to keep the peace? Absolutely. Is that not the reason why Uganda is an island of peace in this area?” he said.
Museveni also criticized the opposition for their silence on foreign funding of groups within Uganda, particularly those advocating for LGBT rights. He cited recent remarks by U.S. Congressman Andy Barr regarding American financial support to Uganda’s LGBT community, and challenged Kivumbi and his allies.
“If you are an anti-corruption warrior you claim to be, why have you never talked about these foreign funds? Who has been receiving these foreign funds, and for what purpose? When you receive foreign funds, you are not only corrupt, but you are a traitor,” Museveni said.
He questioned the opposition and the Daily Monitor: “Dear Sirs and Madams, have you ever heard of foreign funds being sent into Uganda to influence our politics in favour of the foreigners?”
Museveni emphasized patriotism over monetary reward, referencing the historical ethos of the National Resistance Army (NRA) and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). “How many traitor groups and schemes have we defeated? Our People can list them for you. Have you heard?” he added.
Museveni’s statement portrayed the controversy as political maneuvering aimed at destabilizing Uganda, rather than a matter of accountability.
