Museveni Urges Inclusive Libyan Elections to End Years of Conflict

KAMPALA  — President Yoweri Museveni called on Libyan authorities Wednesday to organize transparent and inclusive national elections, stating that lasting peace in the North African nation can only be achieved if its people determine their own future.

Museveni made the remarks during a meeting with a high-level Libyan delegation on the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement ministerial meeting at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

“Libya belongs to the Libyan people. All the owners of the country, every Libyan, must be asked what should be done through peaceful elections,” Museveni said. He stressed that political disagreements among leaders should not deny citizens their right to participate in shaping their governance.

“If there are arguments among leaders, why not ask the people? Why should anyone just take over my home as if I have no say?” he said.

Libya has been divided for nearly 15 years since the fall of longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi, split between rival administrations in Tripoli and Benghazi. The political stalemate has crippled governance and national security, leaving citizens in a protracted struggle for stability.

Museveni expressed concern over the prolonged division, describing it as unfair to the Libyan people. He drew a parallel to Uganda’s own history, noting that even supporters of former dictator Idi Amin were included in the political process after his fall.

“We had bad leaders like Idi Amin, but all their supporters took part in the elections because we have no right to remove them—it’s their country. They should continue with their normal rights,” Museveni said.

The president also noted he had discussed collaborative peace initiatives for Libya with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. “If all Libyan factions agree to have elections for all Libyans, not a few, it will stop ruining the country,” Museveni remarked.

The Libyan delegation was led by Musbah Abouksham, head of the General Assembly Department and Foreign Minister. He delivered greetings from Mohamed Al-Menfi, President of Libya’s Presidential Council, and thanked Uganda for its support of African peace initiatives.

Abouksham said Libya’s Government of National Unity remains committed to achieving stability through transparent elections and requested Museveni’s advice and support.

“An African leader like Yoweri Museveni is highly respected by all Libyans, east or west, because you have never intervened negatively in Libya,” Abouksham said.

He also shared a personal connection to Uganda, revealing he lived in the country from 1995 to 1998 while his father served as a diplomat. “Part of my education and culture was shaped here,” he said.

The delegation wished Museveni victory in Uganda’s 2026 elections, stating that Libya is keen to sustain and strengthen its investments in the country.

“We are sure that you are the best choice to lead Uganda in the coming period. And this victory will not only be for the Ugandan people, but also for the entire African people,” Abouksham said.

The Libyan delegation included Fatalla Elzuni, Minister for Youth and special envoy of the Prime Minister to Africa, and Ibrahim Ahmed Sultan, Libya’s Ambassador to Uganda. They were met by Ugandan officials including Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Okello Oryem and Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire.