"We Want Action, Not Talk" Lawyer Bireete Dismisses Museveni’s Call for Patriotism as Empty Talk
Human rights lawyer and executive director of the Center for Constitutional Governance (CCG), Sarah Bireete, has fired back at President Yoweri Museveni, criticizing what she termed as empty rhetoric in addressing the Uganda People’s Defence Forces’ (UPDF) role in the country’s democratic space.
Her remarks came in response to Museveni’s statement on X following two high-level military meetings at State House Entebbe, where the president emphasized the importance of disciplined democracy and warned politicians against using intimidation or inflammatory language.
“The NRM advocates for disciplined democracy, not hooliganism or bad language,” Museveni posted.
He added that the UPDF and other security organs were working to ensure a peaceful political environment and urged the youth to embrace NRM values and "uzalendo" — patriotism in service to the country.
However, Bireete dismissed the president’s comments as mere political posturing.
“Mr. President Kaguta Museveni – when it comes to the excessive impunity demonstrated by the UPDF lately, Ugandans want action, not mere talk. In politics, talk is cheap. Action is the real deal. The current UPDF is a big threat to our democracy," She wrote on X.
Her criticism reflects growing concern among civil society actors and opposition figures over the military’s involvement in political affairs and alleged human rights abuses, particularly ahead of the 2026 general elections.
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