President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called for dialogue, democratic governance and respect for diverse identities as the foundation for achieving lasting peace in Sudan.
The President made the remarks during a meeting with Pekka Haavisto, the United Nations Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Sudan, at State House Entebbe on Friday, where the two leaders discussed the ongoing conflict in Sudan, the humanitarian situation and the broader peace and security landscape in the region.
The meeting focused on strengthening dialogue among the parties to the conflict, enhancing regional cooperation and supporting initiatives aimed at securing a sustainable and inclusive peace in Sudan.
President Museveni said lasting peace in Sudan requires addressing the ideological and political issues that have continued to fuel instability, noting that dialogue, democratic processes and inclusive governance remain the most effective means of resolving conflicts.
The President cautioned against what he described as "sovereignism" in multinational states, arguing that attempts to impose a single identity on diverse societies have often triggered recurring political crises.
"There is an ideological crisis. We have been telling them for years that they should respect the identities of their people. If people do not agree, why don't they go for elections? Using force to settle political differences is a wrong idea," President Museveni said.
He also reaffirmed Uganda's longstanding commitment to protecting people fleeing conflict, saying the country's refugee policy is anchored in humanitarian values and the historical and cultural ties shared by communities across the region.
"These refugees are our people. They are contributing and building Uganda. They come with knowledge, so we don't mind. They can come because this is their country. We have slightly more than two million refugees, including Congolese and South Sudanese, and many of our cultural groups are connected," he said.
President Museveni urged all parties to remain committed to dialogue and called on regional and international partners supporting the peace process to prioritise negotiation and engagement over confrontation in pursuit of a lasting political settlement.
Pekka Haavisto commended Uganda for its continued generosity in hosting refugees, describing the country's open-door refugee policy as an example that is widely recognised and appreciated by the international community.
"I want to thank Your Excellency for hosting so many Sudanese refugees. Everyone recognises that effort and the United Nations is very grateful that Uganda has kept its doors open to refugees," Haavisto said.
He said the United Nations continues to engage the parties to the conflict through dialogue, with discussions focusing on humanitarian access, the release of detainees and support for young people whose lives have been disrupted by the war.
Haavisto also noted that President Museveni's engagement with both sides of the Sudan conflict places him in a unique position to contribute to ongoing peace efforts.
He expressed optimism that sustained dialogue, backed by regional and international support, could help improve the situation and pave the way for lasting peace and stability in Sudan.
