President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tibuhaburwa has issued a stern warning to Ugandans planning an anti-corruption march to parliament, declaring that they will be “playing with fire” if they proceed with the protest set for Tuesday.
A planned demonstration, organised by young Ugandans through social media, aims to call for an end to government corruption. Following the events in Kenya, where widespread protests forced President William Ruto to backtrack on proposed tax increases and face demands for his resignation, organisers in Uganda are now seeking to hold their own government accountable.
During a televised address, President Museveni emphasised that the protest would not be tolerated. “We are actively engaged in generating prosperity… and you’re here to disrupt us. “You are treading on dangerous ground because we will not tolerate any interference,” he declared.
Museveni, who has held power since 1986, frequently faces criticism for his style of governance, which is often described as authoritarian. His supporters, on the other hand, attribute to him the achievement of upholding stability in the East African nation. The president also made allegations against certain protest organisers, suggesting that they may have been involved in collaborating with foreign entities to instigate unrest in Uganda. However, he refrained from offering any specific information to support his claims.
The Ugandan authorities have made it clear that they will not allow the march to take place at the same time as the opening of parliament. Regardless of police approval, Louez Aloikin Opolose, one of the primary organisers, confirmed to AFP news agency that the demonstration would still take place. “Carrying out a peaceful demonstration does not require police permission. “It is our constitutional right,” stated Opolose.
Recent sanctions imposed by the UK and US on Uganda’s parliamentary speaker, Anita Annet Among, have intensified the anti-corruption sentiment among Ugandans. Amid allegations of corruption, Among has been prohibited from travelling to both the UK and US, with the UK even warning of a potential freeze on assets. Among strongly denies any wrongdoing.
Two former government ministers, Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu, have also been sanctioned by the UK. They were dismissed by Museveni following their involvement in a scandal related to the theft of metal roofing sheets intended for vulnerable communities in the Karamoja region. Both former ministers are currently facing court charges and have vehemently denied the accusations.
The upcoming protest has heightened tensions, with all eyes on the Ugandan government’s reaction and the determination of the demonstrators.
