Museveni Defends Nuwagaba, Highlights 'Criminals Inside State'

President Yoweri Museveni has publicly defended Stephen Nuwagaba, a young man whose recent access to State House and security officials drew considerable attention. Museveni argued that the more pressing national concern is not Nuwagaba’s alleged misconduct but rather the disturbing claims that members of Uganda’s security services subjected him and his family to torture, maiming, and threats.

In a detailed written response, Museveni explained that Nuwagaba first approached him seeking protection, alleging he was a victim of security personnel intent on silencing him. The President revealed that Nuwagaba has been undergoing extensive medical treatment for injuries and trauma, with arrangements made both domestically and abroad for his care.

Museveni’s intervention redirects the narrative, raising serious questions about whether security officers committed crimes against a civilian and subsequently attempted to conceal these actions from the country’s leadership. He indicated that some officers accused of torturing Nuwagaba are already facing legal charges. Furthermore, the President alleged that these same individuals attacked Nuwagaba’s mother and made threatening calls to his father.

Addressing journalist Andrew Mwenda, Museveni accused him of fabricating a national emergency around Nuwagaba. Museveni contended that Mwenda’s focus on Nuwagaba’s personal alleged failings distracts from systemic failures within government that permit torture, corruption, and information obstruction. While acknowledging Nuwagaba might have personal shortcomings, Museveni stressed that these do not supersede the gravity of alleged torture and corruption involving state officials.

The President drew parallels to Uganda’s history of political violence, invoking the sacrifices made by freedom fighters to underscore his opposition to torture. He asserted that in his 56 years of struggle, he has never personally tortured or ordered anyone to do so, distinguishing past disciplinary measures from unlawful torture.

Museveni concluded by emphasizing that the primary problem facing Uganda is not individuals like Nuwagaba, but rather corrupt elements within security forces and other government bodies who actively block crucial information from reaching top leadership. He noted that such obstructions necessitate the use of informal channels to communicate with the presidency, citing examples of how unofficial actors have brought critical issues to his attention.

This situation comes amid ongoing domestic and international concerns regarding human rights violations and torture allegations against Ugandan security agencies, with reports from bodies like the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Uganda Human Rights Commission highlighting a worrying trend.