Museveni Refutes Mwenda's 'Senile' Accusation, Defends Local Projects

President Yoweri Museveni has hit back at seasoned journalist and former ally Andrew Mwenda, dismissing Mwenda’s recent commentary that questioned the President’s cognitive abilities and judgment. Mwenda, in an April 20, 2026, article in The Independent, criticized Museveni’s backing of several domestic pharmaceutical and industrial initiatives, suggesting the 82-year-old President was being swayed by dubious business figures.

Museveni, in a strongly worded rebuttal, accused Mwenda of advocating for Western agendas that undermine Africa’s industrialization and self-sufficiency. “Mr Mwenda, thank you for declaring me senile and incapable of judging right,” Museveni stated, adding, “You will, however, discover that at 82, I am still able to defend Uganda and myself with the Bible, the AK-47 and the pen.”

The President urged Mwenda to conduct thorough investigations into the businessmen in question rather than outright dismissing their endeavors. He highlighted projects such as herbalist David Senfuka’s proposed pharmaceutical plant, Dr Matthias Magoola’s Dei Pharma, Tugume’s factory, and Prof Muranga’s banana project as examples of local innovation meriting government support.

Museveni also defended state-backed projects like Kiira Motors, arguing that critics perpetuate a neo-colonial economic model that keeps Africa exporting raw materials. He contrasted this with Uganda’s focus on value addition in sectors like gold, coffee, and dairy, citing the ban on unprocessed mineral exports and the establishment of ten gold refineries.

The President further defended wealth-creation programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), attributing increased coffee production and economic growth to them. He also accused Mwenda of leaking sensitive government discussions to sabotage investor confidence and economic progress, recalling Mwenda’s past opposition to the Bujagali Electricity Project which he linked to earlier power shortages.

Museveni concluded by urging Ugandans to disregard critics like Mwenda, whom he characterized as saboteurs of national growth. He championed experimentation in industrialization, asserting that even unsuccessful attempts are superior to economic stagnation, likening Uganda’s development journey to a child learning to walk where setbacks are part of progress.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/senile-museveni-hits-back-at-andrew-mwenda