President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda, who also serves as Chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) from 2024 to 2027, has finally spoken out about the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. Responding to a concern raised by the Iranian Ambassador to Uganda, President Museveni explained why Uganda had delayed in commenting on the issue. He stated that while Uganda has maintained strong relations with countries like Israel, Iran, and the United States, it was important to share their long-held but previously unspoken views on the conflict.
Museveni began by stressing Uganda’s historical rejection of discrimination based on race, tribe, religion, or gender. He emphasized that his country has always supported the politics of interest standing for what is fair and just for all people involved. From this point of view, he discussed four key mistakes made by different players in the conflict.
First, he addressed the Iranian Islamists, recalling his visits to Iran during the presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Museveni criticized Iran’s refusal to accept the state of Israel, reminding them that, according to the Bible, the Jewish people have historical roots in the Middle East. He spoke of how the Jews were scattered by the Romans and suffered for centuries until they returned to their ancestral homeland through the Zionist movement. He also pointed out that the British once absurdly offered Uganda to the Jews as a homeland in 1924 an offer the Jews wisely refused. Therefore, he said, it was right for the United Nations to divide Palestine between Jews and Arabs. Denying Israel’s right to exist, he said, was a mistake.
The second group Museveni criticized was the Israelis themselves. He questioned why they have not fully accepted the two-state solution, which would allow Palestinians to have their own independent state. He reminded Israel that other groups like the Philistines and the tribes of Canaan lived in that region too. Just as modern countries like the United States and Australia were formed by migrants, Palestinians who have lived in the region for centuries cannot be told they don’t belong. He compared this to Idi Amin’s unfair expulsion of Asians from Uganda in the 1970s, which Uganda later rejected.
Third, Museveni blamed Western powers, especially the CIA, for some of the roots of the current problems. He pointed to their role in overthrowing Iran’s democratic leader, Mohammad Mosaddegh, in 1953 in order to control Iran’s oil. This interference, he said, led to the rise of extreme religious leaders in Iran. He also criticized the ignorance of some of Iran’s own leaders about their country’s rich history, especially their failure to know about the ancient Medians and Persians mentioned in the Bible. He warned against all forms of religious fundamentalism, whether Islamic or Christian, citing the damage they have caused in places like Sudan and during historical events like the Inquisition.
Fourth, he warned against using force—especially foreign military force—to try to solve problems. History, he said, shows that this approach always fails and often destroys those who use it. He gave examples from European history, such as the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and failed invasions of the Soviet Union. He called on all actors in the Middle East to stop using violence and instead return to peaceful and honest diplomacy. He urged Iran and other Islamic groups to recognize Israel, and Israel to implement the two-state solution.
As he ended his message, President Museveni appealed to people of all faiths to come together in prayer. He reminded the world that most people believe in a Creator who treats all humans equally. He said it might be time to humble ourselves, pray, and seek God’s wisdom to find the right path forward for everyone.
President Museveni’s statement is a bold and thoughtful message that encourages understanding, fairness, and peace in a region that has seen too much conflict for far too long.
