Museveni Defends Torture Victim, Accuses Journalist Andrew Mwenda of Distracting from Security Crimes
KAMPALA, Uganda – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has issued a robust defense of Stephen Nuwagaba, while sharply criticizing veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda for allegedly diverting public attention from grave human rights abuses within Uganda’s security apparatus.
In a detailed public statement released on Sunday, President Museveni revealed that Nuwagaba, a recent target of Mwenda’s criticism, is under his personal protection following a harrowing ordeal at the hands of rogue security operatives. According to the President, Nuwagaba was subjected to torture, maiming, and death threats by individuals within the country’s intelligence services.
Mr. Museveni disclosed that he has overseen Nuwagaba’s medical treatment, both in Uganda and abroad, and confirmed that the victim is currently recovering from injuries sustained during the alleged abuse. The President asserted that the core issue is not Nuwagaba’s personal conduct but the existence of “rogue elements” within state institutions who abuse their authority and shield each other from accountability.
The situation has escalated to involve Nuwagaba’s family, with the President alleging that his mother—described as a committed supporter of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM)—was also tortured. Additionally, his father, who serves as an LC1 chairperson, has reportedly received threatening phone calls.
Drawing on Uganda’s tumultuous political history, Museveni invoked the atrocities of the Idi Amin regime and the Luwero Bush War, insisting that the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle were to ensure Ugandans would never again suffer torture or political persecution. He emphasized that extra-judicial killings and torture are antithetical to the founding principles of the National Resistance Army (NRA).
Accusations Against Mwenda and Security Forces
The President accused Mwenda of ignoring larger national challenges, including corruption in the Parish Development Model (PDM), the alleged sale of government jobs, and irregularities in road projects. He argued that the journalist’s focus on Nuwagaba is a deliberate attempt to obscure the criminality within the security services.
“Some of the security officers implicated in the alleged torture are already facing criminal charges,” Museveni stated, clarifying that investigations are ongoing.
Defending his administration’s use of both formal and informal intelligence networks, Museveni argued that such channels are vital for exposing corruption and preventing unrest. He cited the 2025 Gen-Z protests, corruption investigations at State House, and the arrest of opposition figure Kizza Besigye as examples where intelligence proved effective.
While acknowledging that Nuwagaba may have personal shortcomings, including accusations of dishonesty, the President maintained that these flaws do not excuse the brutal actions of security personnel.
A Warning to Whistleblowers
Concluding his address, President Museveni issued a stern warning against efforts to discourage whistleblowers from exposing corruption and criminality within state institutions. He insisted that Uganda’s “greatest challenge remains compromised and corrupt officials rather than the actions of one individual.”
The statement was signed by Yoweri K. Museveni, with the President also employing his military title, Ssaabalwanyi.
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