Here’s a bold statement: while the world is tearing itself apart over differences, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is calling for unity—and he’s not afraid to use humor to make his point. But here’s where it gets controversial: he’s openly ridiculing leaders who fuel division over trivial issues like dietary choices, such as eating pork. Yes, you heard that right. In a world where conflicts often stem from identity politics, Museveni is asking, ‘If someone eats pork, has he put it in your mouth?’ Let that sink in.
On Friday, November 7, 2025, the Ugandan President met with Mr. Guang Cong, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, at Mbale State Lodge. Their conversation spanned critical topics like regional security, the Nile River disputes, and peace efforts in the Horn of Africa. Mr. Cong, who took office in July 2025, emphasized his mission to engage regional leaders in understanding the root causes of instability and exploring how the UN can contribute to peacebuilding. ‘I’d love to hear your assessments of the challenges and where the UN can add value,’ Cong told Museveni, setting the stage for a candid exchange.
And this is the part most people miss: Museveni didn’t hold back in diagnosing Africa’s persistent instability. He attributed it to ‘ideological bankruptcy’—a term he uses to describe the prioritization of tribal, religious, or racial identity politics over material development goals like food security and peace. ‘Because they are ideologically bankrupt, they use identity politics, like in Sudan, and that’s how they broke it up,’ Museveni explained. He argued that such divisions prevent nations from building stable institutions, including professional armies and police forces.
To illustrate his point, Museveni shared personal anecdotes about his own dietary customs. ‘I don’t eat fish—I call it a snake. I don’t eat sheep or chicken because I believe it causes instability. But this is my culture, and I respect others who eat them,’ he said, drawing laughter from the audience. He highlighted how Uganda’s diverse communities, such as the Baganda, coexist peacefully despite differing practices. ‘Most Muslim youth are copying nonsense from the Middle East, judging others for what they eat. How is it your problem if someone eats pork?’ he quipped, challenging the audience to rethink their biases.
Here’s the controversial part: Museveni’s stance on African self-reliance and unity is unapologetic. He defended Uganda’s military interventions in countries like Somalia, stating, ‘We intervened to teach that Africa belongs to us, and whoever wants to be here must respect everyone. Whether we are pagans, Christians, or Muslims, we must live together.’ He accused foreign actors of exploiting internal divisions to destabilize African nations—a claim that’s sure to spark debate.
Mr. Cong praised the discussion, noting that Uganda’s approach to stability in the Horn of Africa offers valuable lessons for regional peacebuilding. But the question remains: Can Africa truly unite when identity politics run so deep? Museveni’s message is clear, but will it resonate beyond the meeting room? What do you think? Is Museveni’s call for tolerance and self-reliance the solution Africa needs, or is he oversimplifying complex issues? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
