Faith Nyasuguta
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has publicly weighed in on the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, becoming one of the first African leaders to speak out on the crisis. In a five-page letter released on Tuesday, June 24, Museveni laid blame on multiple actors-including Iran, Israel, Western powers, and foreign interventionists – for fueling the conflict. The statement comes as diplomatic tensions between Tehran and Tel Aviv continue to escalate following Israel’s June 12 missile strike on Iranian military targets.
Responding to criticism from Iran’s ambassador to Uganda over his earlier silence, Museveni shared the letter on social media platform X. He used the opportunity to outline his position and address what he described as long-standing geopolitical mistakes that continue to inflame the Middle East.
In the letter, Museveni, who also serves as the current chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), identified four groups as responsible for the deepening hostilities. First, he criticized Iran for refusing to recognize Israel, stating that denying another nation’s right to exist is a recipe for endless conflict. At the same time, he held Israel accountable for rejecting the two-state solution and its ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories, calling the situation unsustainable.
Museveni also turned his attention to the West – particularly the United States – for its historical role in destabilizing Iran. He pointed to the CIA-led 1953 overthrow of then-Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh, which resulted in decades of autocratic rule under the Shah, followed by the rise of Iran’s current theocratic government. He argued that this act of Western interference created lasting resentment in Iran and contributed directly to the radicalization that persists today.
Finally, Museveni warned all foreign powers against the continued use of military force in the Middle East. He argued that armed intervention only leads to further escalation, and urged global actors to recommit to diplomatic solutions.
“As a country with a long history of liberation struggles, we abhor chauvinism of identity – be it religious, racial, or tribal,” he wrote. “We stand for politics based on legitimate interests, not extremism.”
As the leader of the 121-member Non-Aligned Movement, Museveni’s comments carry weight. NAM was founded during the Cold War to give a voice to countries that refused to align with either the Western or Eastern blocs. Today, it includes nearly every African country except Sudan and continues to advocate for peace, sovereignty, and neutrality in global affairs.
Museveni’s rare intervention also highlights Africa’s often-muted stance in Middle Eastern conflicts. While countries like South Africa have condemned Israeli actions in Gaza, few African nations have directly commented on Iran’s growing involvement. Museveni’s call for restraint stands out not just for its timing, but also for its balanced critique of all parties involved.
The letter comes amid growing fears that the Israel-Iran confrontation could spark a wider regional conflict, particularly as both nations ramp up military preparedness. Whether Museveni’s statement will inspire similar responses from other African leaders or remain a singular voice is yet to be known. What is clear, however, is that Uganda’s president has broken the silence and is calling for a return to diplomacy before it is too late.
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