'You Are on a Journey to Hell' Museveni Sends Strong Warning to These People in Uganda

President Yoweri Museveni has cautioned residents of Busia against engaging in smuggling, describing the practice as harmful to Uganda’s economy and a threat to national development.

Addressing a crowd along Customs Road in Busia town, Museveni urged residents to abandon smuggling and instead support local industries to create jobs and generate revenue for government services.

"My good people of Busia, Happy New Year. I am advising you to stop this act of smuggling because it is bad for the economy of this country," Museveni said. "We can't be able to provide good roads, well-equipped health facilities, good schools, and electricity if you resort to smuggling."

The president had earlier attended the Piny Luo cultural celebrations in Siaya County, Kenya, before making his remarks in Busia. He warned smugglers of spiritual consequences, stating, "Those who are smuggling, you will never see paradise, you are on a journey to hell."

Despite Museveni’s stern warning, some local leaders view cross-border trading differently. Busia Municipality MP Geoffrey Macho defended small-scale traders, arguing that their transactions should not be categorized as smuggling.

"URA should stop harassing our people who cross the border with one loaf of bread and a kilogram of sugar or a bag of rice because these are the privileges the people at the border must enjoy," Macho said. He suggested the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) focus on large-scale smugglers instead of targeting small traders.