Politics 3 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Museveni Denounces Torture, Calls it 'Counter-Revolutionary' Amidst Nuwagaba Controversy
President Yoweri Museveni has vehemently condemned torture by security forces, labeling it immoral, counter-revolutionary, and strategically unsound. He addressed the case of Stephen Nuwagaba, a young man allegedly tortured by security elements, whom the President has taken under his care. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/i-have-never-tortured-or-ordered-anybody-to-torture-an-opponent-museveni-5545046
President Yoweri Museveni has issued a strong condemnation against the use of torture by security forces, describing it as “immoral, counter-revolutionary, and not strategic.” This statement comes in response to remarks by veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda regarding Stephen Nuwagaba, a young man who allegedly sought refuge with the President after suffering severe torture and maiming by security operatives.
In his defense of providing care for Nuwagaba, both in Uganda and abroad, President Museveni reaffirmed his long-held stance against physical abuse. He stated, “In the last 56 years I have been fighting, I have never tortured or ordered anybody to torture an opponent.” He also cautioned security forces against committing atrocities while combating impunity, emphasizing that such actions are not morally, ideologically, or strategically justifiable.
Museveni recalled the sacrifices made during past liberation struggles, referencing historical atrocities to underscore that these sacrifices were not for Ugandans to endure torture under state institutions. He differentiated torture from “revolutionary discipline,” which he explained involved methods like push-ups or temporary inconveniences to elicit truth without causing permanent harm.
The President revealed that an investigation is underway into security officers accused of torturing Nuwagaba and harassing his family, with some already facing charges. He dismissed Mwenda’s focus on Nuwagaba as a misdirection, asserting that the real problem lies with corrupt security personnel who obstruct the flow of crucial information to shield their criminal activities.
Museveni argued that the primary challenge facing Uganda is not individuals like Nuwagaba, but rather criminals, including those within security forces, who block vital information to continue their illicit operations. He highlighted his use of both human and signals intelligence throughout his fighting career, emphasizing that while formal intelligence structures are crucial, issues arise when they become corrupt or compromised.