President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda has called for global justice and economic cooperation, urging world leaders to prioritize dialogue amid rising tensions, particularly in the Middle East. The appeal came during an Iftar dinner hosted at State House Entebbe on Thursday, March 5th, with leaders of the Muslim community, according to a statement released by the Ugandan President’s office.
Museveni, who currently chairs the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), emphasized the require to reject identity politics, which he warned continues to destabilize regions and hinder development. “I would like to use this season of Ramadan to call upon people around the world to operate for justice everywhere and for global affluence,” he said. The President also revealed he has been privately engaging with leaders to encourage peaceful resolutions to ongoing conflicts.
Uganda maintains friendly relations with key players involved in the Middle East tensions, including Israel, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, Museveni stated. He reiterated his support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, arguing that mutual recognition is crucial for regional stability. “I have always told the leaders involved that both sides should recognize each other so that the two-state solution can work,” he said.
The President underscored the importance of economic integration and cooperation for prosperity, drawing on his own experience as a cattle farmer. “As a cattle keeper, I produce milk, beef, and bananas. Whoever buys from me makes me happy. It’s not just my tribe that supports my prosperity, it is Ugandans and even the wider region,” he explained. “That is why unity is important. Dividing people is short-sighted.”
Museveni also argued that developed nations have a responsibility to support economic transformation in less affluent regions, asserting that global prosperity is mutually beneficial. “If you are a smart businessman, why would you want to trade with a poor person?” he asked. “If people have income and wealth, they will buy your products. That is why the world should work towards global affluence.”
The Iftar dinner, themed “Peace, Unity and Reconciliation: Our Divine Mandate for National Building,” also served as an opportunity for Museveni to commend Ugandans for rejecting sectarianism and embracing national unity, a foundation he credited with strengthening the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) since 1989. He thanked the Muslim community and all Ugandans for their support in recent elections.
Vice President Jessica Alupo, in remarks at the dinner, thanked Museveni and First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni for continuing the tradition of hosting the annual Iftar. She praised the spiritual values associated with Ramadan and emphasized the importance of peace for Uganda’s development. Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among also expressed gratitude for the Muslim community’s support and noted that discussions regarding the establishment of Kadhi courts are currently underway in Parliament.
Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, the Mufti of Uganda, congratulated President Museveni on his re-election and praised the government’s commitment to religious freedom and the inclusion of Muslims in national development. He highlighted the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council’s efforts to register Imams and establish savings and credit cooperative organizations (SACCOs) to improve their livelihoods, as well as agricultural training centers to enhance farming practices. The Mufti also expressed concern over ongoing conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, and called for renewed commitment to peace.
Sheikh Ashraf Mutagubya, a lecturer at the Islamic University in Uganda, noted that Ramadan provides an opportunity for spiritual reflection and wisdom, emphasizing the importance of peace and reconciliation for both the Muslim community and the nation. He acknowledged the government’s introduction of Islamic banking and finance reforms as a positive step towards greater Muslim participation in national development.
