President Yoweri Museveni has issued a firm warning against violent and foreign-influenced subversion in his maiden address for the 2026–2031 term.

He spoke shortly after his re-election victory, emphasising that Uganda will not tolerate chaos and will act decisively to protect peace and constitutional order.

“On security, President Museveni warned against violent and foreign-influenced subversion, stressing that Uganda will not tolerate chaos and will decisively protect peace and constitutional order,” the official Government of Uganda account reported on X on Sunday, January 18, 2026.

Museveni linked security to national stability, saying peace depends not only on security forces but also on patriotic citizens who refuse to be used to destabilise the country.

“Peace in Uganda is sustained not only by security forces but by patriotic citizens who refuse to be used to destabilise their country,” he said.

Peace and progress

The President delivered the address in the context of the recent elections. He thanked God for his victory and highlighted the collective achievements of the Ugandan people over the past 55 years, since 1962. Museveni also praised religious and cultural leaders for their non-partisan role in promoting peace, unity, and moral guidance during the polls.

On security, President Museveni warned against violent and foreign-influenced subversion, stressing that Uganda will not tolerate chaos and will decisively protect peace and constitutional order. pic.twitter.com/IuoauGvFzm

— Government of Uganda (@GovUganda) January 18, 2026

Addressing the performance of his party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Museveni noted that while the party secured about eight million votes, nearly ten million registered members did not turn out. He urged party leaders to analyse the reasons and mobilise all members fully.

“The opposition was fortunate that not all our members turned up. The full strength of the NRM is deeper, broader, and firmly rooted across the country,” he said.

Museveni tied national security to economic progress. He said poverty exposes citizens to manipulation, vote-buying, and political exploitation. He highlighted that 70 per cent of Ugandans now participate in the money economy, contributing taxes that fund development and social services.

The President called on local leaders to monitor roads, water supply, health facilities, and service delivery in their constituencies. He warned against neglect and complacency, urging accountability at all levels. He also promoted skilling hubs for young people, explaining that practical training—even for six months—can turn jobless youth into productive citizens.

“When young people acquire skills and productive work, they are protected from hopelessness, crime, and political misuse. Skilling is therefore a security investment,” he said.

Throughout the speech, Museveni stressed unity, justice, hard work, and wealth creation as the pillars for his new term. He pledged to maintain peace and build a united, prosperous Uganda for all citizens.

“We shall maintain peace and continue building a united, prosperous Uganda,” he said. “We shall protect the gains and continue building a peaceful and prosperous Uganda.”

Meanwhile, President William Ruto has joined regional leaders in congratulating Museveni after the polls victory.