President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, current Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), has reiterated Uganda’s neutral stance in the ongoing war in the Middle East, stressing that the country maintains friendly relations with all major parties involved in the conflict.
Speaking during the annual Iftar dinner hosted at State House Entebbe for the Muslim community, Museveni said Uganda enjoys good diplomatic and economic ties with Israel, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and the United States — a position that makes it impossible to take sides.
The President noted that the escalation began last week when the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, reportedly killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior government and military leaders.
Iran responded with missile and drone attacks, drawing in several Middle East and European countries and threatening global economic stability.
Museveni revealed he has engaged several leaders privately to encourage dialogue and peaceful solutions.
“I would like to use this season of Ramadan to call upon people around the world to work for justice everywhere and for global affluence,” he said.
He reiterated his long-standing support for the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, arguing that mutual recognition between Israel and Palestine could help stabilise the region.
“I have always told the leaders involved that both sides should recognize each other so that the two-state solution can work,” Museveni stated.
He warned that politics based on identity rather than shared interests leads to prolonged conflict.
Drawing from Uganda’s experience, he emphasised that prosperity depends on cooperation and integration rather than division: “As a cattle keeper, I produce milk, beef, and bananas. Whoever buys from me makes me happy. It is not just my tribe that supports my prosperity, it is Ugandans and even the wider region. That is why unity is important. Dividing people is short-sighted.”
Museveni also called on developed countries to support economic transformation in poorer regions, arguing that global prosperity benefits everyone: “If you are a smart businessman, why would you want to trade with a poor person? If people have income and wealth, they will buy your products. That is why the world should work towards global affluence.”
The President congratulated the Muslim community for observing Ramadan and commended Ugandans for rejecting sectarian politics and embracing unity.
Vice President Jessica Alupo, Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among, and Mufti of Uganda Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje also addressed the gathering, highlighting religious freedom, national unity, and the spiritual significance of Ramadan.
The Iftar dinner brought together Muslim leaders, government officials, Ministers, Members of Parliament, and invited guests in a display of interfaith harmony and national cohesion.