On Friday, November 7, 2025, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni held a high-level meeting with Mr. Guang Cong, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, at Mbale State Lodge. The discussions revolved around regional security, the escalating Nile River disagreements, and the wider geopolitical complexities shaping the Horn of Africa.
Mr. Cong, who took office in July 2025, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to consult directly with President Museveni, noting the critical role Uganda plays in regional peace efforts. He emphasized that his visit aimed to deepen the UN’s understanding of the region’s challenges and to identify practical ways to strengthen peacebuilding and stability.
“I am eager to hear your perspective, Mr. President, and to explore how the United Nations can better support regional solutions for lasting peace,” the envoy stated, underscoring a cooperative approach.
In his remarks, President Museveni—long known for championing Pan-African unity—gave a wide-ranging analysis of the region’s instability. He attributed much of Africa’s conflict to ideological weakness and divisive politics based on identity rather than shared development goals.
“Many African conflicts are born out of ideological emptiness,” Museveni said. “Leaders manipulate identity—tribe, religion, or race—while ignoring the actual needs of the people, such as food, jobs, and peace. Sudan is a good example: attempts to impose one identity led to fragmentation. Africa’s unity must come from inclusivity.”
Reflecting on Uganda’s own post-conflict recovery, Museveni explained how his government countered sectarian tendencies by promoting a unifying national ideology. He stressed that divided nations cannot build strong defense or governance systems.
“You cannot create a credible national army or police when your citizens are divided. Some states collapse and depend on outsiders for security because they never built unity from within,” he said.
Museveni highlighted tolerance and mutual respect as the bedrock of peaceful coexistence in diverse societies. Sharing a humorous anecdote about his dietary preferences in a past discussion with former Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir, he noted that cultural differences should never breed hostility.
“I told Bashir I don’t eat fish, sheep, or chicken—just personal choices. But I don’t condemn anyone who does. Respecting each other’s cultures is essential for harmony,” he said.
On extremism, Museveni warned against the infiltration of foreign ideologies that promote intolerance among young Africans. “Some youth are imitating imported fanaticism—judging others for minor lifestyle choices. That’s not our culture. Africa must resist such divisive thinking,” he cautioned.
Turning to Uganda’s peacekeeping record, Museveni reaffirmed his commitment to African self-reliance. He cited Uganda’s intervention in Somalia as an example of African nations taking charge of their own security. “Our mission in Somalia wasn’t just military—it was a statement that Africa belongs to Africans, and we must safeguard it ourselves,” he said.
On South Sudan, he reiterated Uganda’s support for peace through dialogue and elections rather than violence. “If leaders disagree, let the people choose through the ballot, not the gun. That’s what democracy is for,” he noted, referencing Kenya’s example.
The conversation then shifted to the sensitive issue of the Nile River. President Museveni downplayed political rivalries between Egypt and Ethiopia, asserting that environmental degradation poses the true threat to the river’s future.
“The Nile’s biggest challenge is not political—it’s ecological. Deforestation, rapid population growth, and poor land use are shrinking the river’s flow,” he explained. “In 1964, the flow from Uganda to Sudan was 60 billion cubic meters. Today, it’s only about 40 billion.”
He urged Nile Basin countries to focus on transforming their economies and preserving the environment rather than engaging in political standoffs. He also encouraged regional leaders to broaden their outlook beyond the Nile. “Look at the Congo River—it carries 3,000 billion cubic meters of water. With peace and cooperation, that resource alone could transform Africa,” Museveni observed.
Concluding the meeting, President Museveni called for visionary leadership rooted in ideology and service. “Africa will only prosper when leaders put people’s needs first—food, income, and peace—rather than fighting for power,” he said.
Mr. Cong thanked the Ugandan leader for his frank insights and commended Uganda’s active role in regional stability. “Your Excellency, I am grateful for your wisdom and for Uganda’s leadership in peace efforts. I wish you and your people a peaceful election,” he said.
The dialogue marked another milestone in Uganda’s ongoing diplomatic engagements, reaffirming its commitment to Pan-African cooperation, environmental sustainability, and long-term peace in the Horn of Africa.
