KAMPALA | Watchdog Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni has launched a sharp attack on veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda, accusing him and his investigative team of specializing in “spying” on the Head of State. At the same time, Museveni fiercely defended Stephen Nuwagaba, describing him as a traumatized survivor of security force torture rather than a threat to State House.
In a lengthy statement released Monday, Museveni sarcastically noted that Mwenda had “discovered a new national emergency” in the young man, following previous failed attempts to discredit Uganda’s pharmaceutical innovators and label the President senile.
“The great journalist Andrew Mwenda, who specializes in spying on me with his investigative team, could have tried to find out how the young man came to be under my care,” Museveni wrote.
He further questioned why the same investigative unit—which is “always spying on Museveni”—fails to expose corruption within the Parish Development Model, road infrastructure projects, or the illicit sale of government jobs.
Rejection of “State House Siege” Claims
Museveni firmly dismissed media reports alleging that Nuwagaba, a man in his mid-twenties, had laid “siege” to State House or security agencies. Instead, the President explained that Nuwagaba had approached him seeking refuge as a fugitive after being severely tortured, maimed, and threatened with death by rogue security personnel.
“He has actually been a patient on account of torture and maiming… for many of the months he has been under my care. I had to send him to hospitals in Uganda and abroad to save his life,” Museveni stated, adding that some of the alleged perpetrators are already facing court charges. He noted that Nuwagaba’s mother, a loyal NRM supporter, was also attacked, while his father continues to receive death threats.
A Stand Against Torture
Condemning the practice, Museveni described torture as “immoral, counter-revolutionary,” and a direct betrayal of the sacrifices made by FRONASA and NRA freedom fighters. He insisted that in his 56 years of political struggle, he has never ordered the torture of any opponent, emphasizing that disciplined intelligence gathering—not physical abuse—is the correct approach.
According to the President, Uganda’s core challenges stem from corruption, impunity, and compromised security officials who block vital information from reaching leadership—not a “traumatized, maimed young man.”
He confirmed ordering a discreet investigation into the matter, clarifying that Nuwagaba would still be held accountable if found guilty of personal misconduct, such as lying or extortion.
Response to The Independent
The President’s missive serves as a direct rebuttal to recent investigative reports published by The Independent—a news outlet associated with Mwenda—which questioned Nuwagaba’s growing influence and unhindered access to State House.
Signed “Yoweri K. Museveni, Ssaabalwanyi,” the statement concluded with a call to focus on the nation’s deeper governance issues rather than what he dismissed as “trivialities.”
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