KAMPALA, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Sunday said agents from Western countries have been interfering in the country's affairs through non-governmental organizations and some opposition politicians.

In an address telecast live from Entebbe State House, Museveni said such agents have been using opposition politicians to cause a riotous situation in Uganda with an intention to foil its economic growth.

The president said it is ironical of the United States to complain about alleged Russian intervention in their election while seeing no problem in their interference in the affairs of other countries.

These "external parasitic elements" must be kept out of Uganda, Museveni said, adding: "It is important that external players refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of other countries."

"If there is a problem in our house, we the occupants will solve it," he said.

Museveni's remarks came after the capital of Kampala saw a series of demonstrations following the arrest and alleged torture of opposition-leaning legislators last month.

Several opposition legislators and their supporters were arrested and charged in court with treason.

The government says that the politicians are funded by foreign agents.

Museveni said that although the "malicious" campaign would affect tourism in the country in the short run, the economy will continue to grow.

He said the government has been addressing various development bottlenecks such as energy and transport infrastructure.?