President Museveni has warned against what he described as “hooliganism” and “bad language” in Uganda’s political landscape, following high-level meetings with the UPDF High Command and Defence Forces Council at State House Entebbe.
His statements, delivered in typically combative fashion, come as opposition leaders and rights groups raise alarm over shrinking democratic space.
“I emphasised the need for disciplined democracy in Uganda,” Museveni declared. “The NRM advocates for disciplined democracy, not hooliganism or bad language, because we want Ugandans to decide what they want without intimidation.”
He added that political actors who intimidate citizens must desist, calling such behaviour un-African.
“Politicians engaging in practices that intimidate citizens must stop! This is not the African way. The security agencies have discussed this issue, and it will come to an end.”
The president also issued a warning about public speech, urging leaders to use respectful language. “You must speak well in public; do not resort to negative speech,” he said.
Though Museveni framed his comments as a defence of civility and national values, critics see a different motive.
“This is a classic authoritarian maneuver,” said a leading opposition politician who requested anonymity.
“Museveni is attempting to control not only our actions but also our words. He wants to dictate the terms of political discourse, effectively silencing any challenge to his rule.”
The involvement of security agencies has further heightened concerns. Human rights defenders fear the president’s directive could greenlight fresh repression of dissent.
“When the president says, ‘this will come to an end’ and mentions security agencies, it’s not just talk—it’s a chilling message,” said a representative from a Kampala-based civil liberties organisation.
Analysts say the vague and subjective nature of terms like “hooliganism” makes them easy tools for political suppression. In recent years, opposition rallies have often been dispersed by security forces on grounds of public order, with some critics detained or prosecuted for allegedly inciting violence.
Museveni also used the occasion to make a pitch to young Ugandans, urging them to internalise the values of the National Resistance Movement, which has ruled since 1986.
“The challenge for young people is to understand what the pioneers started and to carry that legacy forward,” he said. “Additionally, they should embrace uzalendo, working for the betterment of the country.”
But this appeal to youth has drawn scepticism.
“He is trying to indoctrinate young people with the NRM ideology and suppress any independent thought,” said a political science lecturer at Makerere University. “It’s part of a long-term strategy to shape future generations into obedient citizens who equate loyalty to country with loyalty to the ruling party.”
Supporters of the president argue that his remarks reflect a genuine concern for political stability and maturity.
They say Uganda needs to move beyond insult-driven politics and cultivate a culture of respectful dialogue.
But opponents counter that the president’s record shows little tolerance for opposing views, however politely expressed.
As Uganda heads into another politically charged period, Museveni’s rhetoric—and the military’s role in enforcing it—has cast a long shadow over the space for free speech and dissent.