Museveni urges global justice and affluence amid Middle East tensions

KAMPALA - Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is the current chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), has called on world leaders to pursue global justice and affluence, warning that conflicts driven by identity politics continue to destabilize regions and undermine development.

“I would like to use this season of Ramadan to call upon people around the world to work for justice everywhere and for global affluence,” he said on Thursday (March 5) while hosting the Muslim community for an Iftar dinner at State House Entebbe.

Museveni noted that Uganda maintains friendly relations with many countries involved in the Middle East tensions, including Israel, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. (All Photos by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Museveni reflected on the rising global tensions, particularly in the Middle East, and urged leaders to prioritize dialogue, fairness, and economic cooperation.

He noted that Uganda maintains friendly relations with many countries involved in the Middle East tensions, including Israel, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.

He revealed that he engaged several leaders privately to encourage dialogue and peaceful solutions.

Vice President Jessica Alupo remarks.

The President reiterated his long-standing support for the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, arguing that mutual recognition between Israel and Palestine could help stabilise the region.

“I have always told the leaders involved that both sides should recognise each other so that the two-state solution can work."

He warned that politics based on identity rather than shared interests often leads to prolonged conflict.

Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among

Reflecting on Uganda’s own experience, Museveni emphasised that prosperity depends on cooperation and integration rather than division.

“As a cattle keeper, I produce milk, beef, and bananas. Whoever buys from me makes me happy. It is not just my tribe that supports my prosperity, it is Ugandans and even the wider region.

“That is why unity is important. Dividing people is short-sighted.”

The Ugandan leader also called on developed countries to support economic transformation in poorer regions, arguing that global prosperity benefits everyone.

“If you are a smart businessman, why would you want to trade with a poor person? If people have income and wealth, they will buy your products. That is why the world should work towards global affluence.”

Museveni congratulated the Muslim community for observing the holy month of Ramadhan and commended Ugandans for maintaining unity and rejecting sectarian politics.

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) ED Hajati Sharifah Buzeki

“It is not yet over, but we have already gone some distance," he said in reference to the month-long period of fasting.

Museveni also thanked Ugandans, including the Muslim community, for their continued support and for embracing the message of unity that the NRM government has consistently advocated.

According to him, Uganda’s political stability over the years has largely been a result of rejecting divisive identity politics based on religion, tribe, or ethnicity.

Attending the dinner, Vice-President Jessica Alupo congratulated Muslims upon reaching the later stages of Ramadhan and praised the spiritual values associated with the holy month.

“Ramadhan reminds us of the key messages of faith—prayer, thanksgiving, and fasting," she said.

She said the event's theme 'Peace, Unity and Reconciliation: Our Divine Mandate for Nation Building' speaks directly to Uganda’s development aspirations.

“Without peace, development is not possible. Uganda is an island of peace in this region. We should not take this for granted. As citizens, we must all work together to preserve it.”

In her remarks, Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among revealed that discussions on the establishment of Kadhi courts are currently before Parliament.

"We appreciate the trust that has been given to us to handle such important matters."

The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, congratulated President Museveni on his re-election and praised the government for promoting religious freedom and supporting Muslim participation in national development.

“As the Quran reminds us, Allah loves those who are just. We commend your leadership for supporting programs that promote national progress,” he said.

“We have successfully registered imams across Uganda and have initiated Imam SACCOs to enable them participate actively in national wealth creation programs."

Mubajje said Uganda currently has about 16,300 mosques, which serve as centres for spiritual guidance and community development.

He also mentioned the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council has established agricultural training centres to support farmers with modern and certified farming practices.

“Many people plant crops without proper knowledge of how to manage them. We have opened various training centres to provide farmers with technical skills that will improve productivity."

The Mufti also spoke about the conflicts in parts of the world, particularly in the Middle East, calling for renewed commitment to peace.

“The ongoing conflicts are affecting humanity and causing loss of life. The world must renew its commitment to peace and mutual understanding. May Allah help us."

Mubajje said the recent global developments could affect Ugandan pilgrims planning to travel for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Sheikh Ashraf Mutagubya, a lecturer at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), noted that the holy month of Ramadhan offers Muslims an opportunity for spiritual reflection and wisdom.

“During Ramadhan, Muslims dedicate more time to reading the Quran and deepening their understanding of faith. It is a period that makes believers more reflective, and the wisdom gained during this holy month should guide us even beyond Ramadan."

Mutagubya said peace and reconciliation remain essential for the progress of both the Muslim community and the nation at large.

“Through peace and reconciliation, we can develop more inclusively as a community and as a nation."