KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has clarified that his government will not involve the East African nation in the escalating conflict between Israel and its regional neighbours, which has drawn in the United States through joint military action against Iran.
Speaking on Wednesday at the 45th Tarehe Sita thanksgiving ceremony at the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, Museveni described the fighting as rooted in identity and tribe rather than clear global security interests and warned against Uganda being drawn into such conflicts.
“We need to understand those tribes. Were they tribal fights or spiritual fights? Because God was supporting the Jews because they were believing in God while the other ones were believing in pagans. So there, I will be part of that war – the spiritual war between paganism and believing in God,” he said. “But the tribal fights among the Jews and their neighbours, I don’t know whether I want to be part of those fights.”
Museveni’s comments come as the US and Israel continue a military offensive against Iran, a campaign that has drawn global condemnation and concerns over escalation.
Many developing countries and Global South states have criticised the intervention as disproportionate and dangerous, urging restraint and diplomacy rather than force.
Earlier statements from Museveni emphasised Uganda’s long-held commitment to non-alignment, a diplomatic approach that avoids taking sides in major power conflicts.
In June 2025, he called on parties in the Middle East conflict to pursue dialogue and principled diplomacy, warning against the use of force and advocating for mutual recognition of legitimate interests.
At the thanksgiving event, the President also drew parallels with Uganda’s own history. The ceremony marked the 45th anniversary of Tarehe Sita, the launch of the National Resistance Army’s struggle in 1981, and was used to reflect on the nation’s journey from conflict to stability.
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“My Bazzukulu today have not seen the shortages, killings, brutalities of old armies, impassable roads, or early childhood deaths,” Museveni said, underscoring the importance of educating future generations about the country’s past.
He announced plans to build a museum dedicated to Uganda’s resistance history, saying it will help younger citizens understand the “blood, sweat and tears that shaped their country.”
Beyond foreign affairs, Museveni used the occasion to address pressing domestic issues.
He called for continued efforts to tackle poverty, corruption, poor infrastructure, gaps in education and challenges within the health sector.
The ceremony saw top army officials and church leaders reflect on national unity and progress, with calls to renew commitment to peace and development gained since the NRA/M took power in 1986.
