President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reiterated that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government will not tolerate any attempts to destabilise the country, warning that violence has no place in Uganda’s political process.
“There’s no place for chaos in Uganda,” President Museveni said.
The President made the remarks on Sunday, December 14, 2025, during a meeting at State Lodge Nakasero, where he welcomed former National Unity Platform (NUP) parliamentary candidates who recently crossed to the ruling party.
Those who joined NRM include Ojangole Anthony, NUP Chairperson for Pallisa and MP aspirant for Agule County, and Godfrey Kateu, the NUP Secretary General for Pallisa District and MP contestant for Pallisa County.
President Museveni welcomed the new members and commended them for what he described as foresight in choosing to join NRM. “You’re welcome to the NRM,” he said.
He further assured Ugandans that the 2026 general elections will be free and fair, while cautioning especially the youth against being used by what he termed selfish opposition actors to incite violence before, during, or after the elections.
“Some youth in the opposition have gone ahead to form gangs known as ‘egaali’ to cause chaos. We shall crush those gangs,” the President warned. “People should focus on mobilising their supporters to vote peacefully rather than encouraging violence.”
President Museveni also commended the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, and the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilisation, Haji Faruk Kirunda, for actively spreading NRM ideology across the country.
Haji Kirunda, who led the delegation, informed the President that more opposition candidates are preparing to cross to NRM, citing confidence in the party’s ideology and leadership.
Speaking on behalf of the converts, Ojangole Anthony revealed that they had previously been encouraged to engage in violence during elections but rejected the idea after reflection.
“Our leaders were telling us to cause chaos and bloodshed during elections, but after thorough thought, we said we cannot take part in destructive activities. The NRM has been building this country for the last 40 years,” Ojangole said.
He advised those seeking political power to do so peacefully and lawfully through democratic means. “I call upon my fellow Ugandans to desist from listening to selfish people who want to destroy our country,” he added.
The meeting was also attended by Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Pallisa Resident District Commissioner, Majid Dhikusooka, NRM flag bearer for Gogonya County, Pallisa District NRM Chairperson, Hon. Derrick Orone, NRM flag bearer for Pallida County, Ibrahim Aisu, among other party leaders and officials.