They Want To Steal Uganda’s Oil!! Museveni Accuses European Powers of Fueling Unrest in East Africa

President Yoweri Museveni has accused European powers of deliberately stirring unrest across East Africa, claiming that foreign actors are misleading young people in Tanzania and other neighboring countries to destabilize the region and derail Uganda’s industrial and oil ambitions.

Speaking during a radio talk show at Mbale State Lodge on Saturday, Museveni said external forces “worried about Uganda’s progress” are behind efforts to incite instability in the region.

“Most of these children being misled in Tanzania and other countries are being confused by European powers that are worried about Uganda’s progress,” said Museveni.

“Our industries are growing, our oil is coming — and they want to control Africa’s resources,” he added.

“But I must warn those confusing them that we shall crush them.”

His remarks came in the wake of reports of deadly unrest in Tanzania, where dozens were killed and many others injured during violent clashes that erupted following last month’s disputed local elections. Security forces were deployed in major cities including Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Arusha to quell the riots, which analysts say reflect growing frustration among the youth.

Museveni described the violence as “foreign-inspired,” accusing European interests of funding chaos to weaken African governments pursuing self-reliance. He argued that such interference was part of a long-standing pattern of neocolonial manipulation aimed at stifling Africa’s economic independence.

The Ugandan leader linked the recent instability to a broader geopolitical struggle between African nations seeking industrial transformation and Western powers resistant to losing influence. “Foreign powers cannot accept a strong and self-reliant Africa,” he asserted, framing the unrest as an extension of global economic rivalry.

Museveni emphasized that peace and unity remain the foundation of Uganda’s progress under the National Resistance Movement (NRM), crediting decades of stability, industrial growth, and the creation of what he called “a strong national army capable of defending our country.”

He traced the NRM’s origins to 1965, noting that it emerged to counter divisive identity politics and promote an ideology rooted in peace, development, wealth creation, and regional integration. According to the president, these principles have enabled Uganda to maintain stability and attract investment despite regional upheavals.

Turning to the economy, Museveni reaffirmed that Uganda’s long-awaited oil production will begin next year, ushering in a new phase of industrial transformation. He said the country’s first oil from the Tilenga and Kingfisher projects will be refined in Hoima, generating jobs and revenue to fund infrastructure, energy, and education.

“Our oil will not be a curse. It will be used to build factories, roads, and electricity — to modernize Uganda and secure our independence,” he said.

Highlighting Africa’s leadership challenges, Museveni noted, “Africa’s problem has always been leaders who follow tribal identity instead of production. Prosperity comes from work, not tribes.”

He also announced new development projects aimed at boosting Uganda’s industrial base, including an industrial park in Busumbu, Mbale, to process vermiculite — a mineral used in satellite technology. The park, he said, forms part of a broader national strategy to expand manufacturing, mineral processing, and export value chains.

Museveni urged young Ugandans to embrace commercial agriculture, information and communication technology, and industrial entrepreneurship instead of depending on government employment. He revealed plans for a new funding program to help university graduates start small businesses and pledged continued investment in value addition, particularly in coffee processing.

Reaffirming his commitment to national stability, Museveni concluded with a stern warning: “Nobody can disturb our peace. Anybody who tries will be dealt with.”

The session was attended by senior NRM officials, including Secretary General Richard Todwong and Eastern Region Vice Chairperson Calvin Echodu, alongside local leaders from the Bugisu Sub-region.