President Museveni has spoken publicly about the ongoing tensions involving Iran, Israel and their allies in the Middle East, revealing that he has previously engaged leaders on both sides diplomatically while advocating for a two-state solution to the long-running conflict.
Speaking during an Iftar hosted at State House Entebbe on Thursday evening to mark the holy month of Ramadan, the President disclosed that he had pressed Iranian leaders to recognise Israel and urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept the two-state framework.
“I asked the Iranian leaders why they don’t recognise Israel, and they said Israel doesn’t belong in the Middle East,” Museveni recounted.
He added: “Netanyahu, who is a good friend of mine, has come here many times. We were here with him and the President of Sudan. We had a meeting here, and I asked him, ‘Why don’t you recognise the two-state solution?’”
Museveni said Uganda maintains cordial relations with a wide range of countries involved in the Middle East tensions, including Israel, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United States.
As Chairperson of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), he explained that he initially refrained from making public statements when hostilities escalated last year, opting instead to engage the concerned leaders privately before eventually issuing a public position.
“All of them are our friends,” he said, adding that Uganda has been following developments in the Middle East through dialogue with leaders in the region.
The President also used the occasion to caution Uganda’s Muslim community against sectarian divisions, warning that such tendencies undermine national unity and development.
He praised Ugandans for largely rejecting sectarian politics and embracing coexistence regardless of religion or background, stressing that religious tolerance remains essential for stability and national progress.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among commended the Muslim community for what she described as strong support for President Museveni during the recently concluded elections, saying the backing has contributed to stability, democratic participation and national development.
Mufti of Uganda Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje welcomed the State House Iftar as a powerful symbol of religious freedom and spiritual reflection during the Ramadan period.
He highlighted community-driven initiatives such as the establishment of Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs) across the country aimed at improving the economic and social welfare of Muslims.
The Mufti also encouraged Muslims to actively participate in government development programmes as a pathway to faster socio-economic progress.
In a notable appeal during the gathering, Mubajje urged President Museveni to release individuals detained over offences allegedly committed during the recent elections, saying such a gesture would promote reconciliation, heal societal divisions and strengthen national unity during the holy month.
The Iftar brought together Muslim leaders, community members and senior government officials in what participants described as a moment of reflection, faith and interfaith harmony.
