President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni has told off the US, European Union (EU) and other western powers to stop lecturing him and other African leaders on democracy.
In his inauguration speech, Museveni highlighted milestones his NRM government has achieved in the areas of representative democracy for women, youths, the elderly and other special interest groups.
He then wondered whether most countries, including ones criticizing Uganda’s democratic record, could beat the country’s representative democracy record.
The US and EU have in recent months have piled pressure on Uganda over alleged human rights violations.
The US even announced visa restrictions against those it claimed undermined democracy and made the January 14 election not free and fair.
Now, in his speech, Museveni said “it is quite comical and laughable to hear some people giving us lectures about democracy.”
“Giving us a lecture about democracy, what are your credentials?” Museveni asked.
He added that the plan designed for Uganda’s transformation was designed in the bushes of Luweero, not in air conditioned offices of the West.
He emphasized Uganda (and Africa) could only relate with the West based on mutual respect.
“If you want to know what we are doing, in a respectful way, we can share with you; but no lectures,” he added.
