Museveni: Uganda’s Bigger Problems Go Beyond Nuwagaba

Museveni argued that the attention surrounding Nuwagaba should not distract from broader problems facing Uganda, including corruption, poor management of government programmes and officials who allegedly conceal information about wrongdoing. He said some individuals within government institutions and security agencies may use their positions to prevent serious information from reaching senior leadership, allowing illegal activities to continue.

The president nevertheless said Nuwagaba would be held accountable if investigations establish that he committed crimes, fabricated claims, misrepresented his authority or engaged in other illegal activities. However, Museveni warned that allegations against Nuwagaba should not be used to conceal or dismiss any crimes allegedly committed against him.

Museveni also defended the role of information coming from outside formal intelligence structures, saying such reports can alert national leaders to problems that official channels may fail to detect. He recalled that during the NRA’s liberation struggle, the movement relied on multiple sources of intelligence, including information from people close to opposing forces and electronic surveillance.

The president’s intervention came three days after reports that Nuwagaba had been arrested following the payment of a ransom while travelling in a vehicle guarded by Special Forces Command (SFC) soldiers. The case had gained further attention after reports alleged that Nuwagaba persuaded senior military officers to protect him by claiming that he had been tortured while in intelligence custody.

Other allegations surrounding the young man include claims that he used his access to Museveni to intimidate government officials and that he possessed allegedly forged documents, including two passports bearing different names. Museveni said he was willing to assist Nuwagaba and his family but made clear that protection from alleged abuse would not exempt him from prosecution if he is found to have committed offences.