Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has issued a stern warning to protesters planning an anti-corruption march to parliament, stating they will be “playing with fire” if they proceed. Young Ugandans, inspired by recent protests in Kenya, have been organizing the march via social media to demand an end to government corruption.
In a televised address, President Museveni emphasized that the planned protest would not be tolerated. “We are busy producing wealth… and you here want to disturb us. You are playing with fire because we cannot allow you to disturb us,” he declared. Critics accuse Museveni of ruling Uganda with an iron hand since taking power in 1986, while supporters commend him for maintaining stability in the East African nation.
Museveni also accused some protest organizers of collaborating with foreign entities to incite chaos in Uganda, although he did not provide specifics. Earlier, police had announced that they refused to grant permission for the march. However, Louez Aloikin Opolose, a key protest leader, stated that they would proceed regardless. “We don’t need police permission to carry out a peaceful demonstration. It is our constitutional right,” Opolose told AFP news agency.
This planned protest follows the imposition of sanctions by the UK and US governments on Uganda’s parliamentary speaker, Anita Annet Among, who has been accused of corruption. Among has denied any wrongdoing. The sanctions bar her from travelling to the UK and the US, and the UK has also announced an asset freeze on her. Similar sanctions were imposed on two former government ministers, Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu, who were sacked by Museveni after being accused of corruption related to the theft of metal roofing sheets meant for vulnerable communities. Both have denied the charges.
In neighbouring Kenya, President William Ruto is also facing significant protests. Activists have planned further demonstrations demanding his resignation and an end to what they describe as bad governance. These protests, which have resulted in at least 50 deaths and 413 injuries since they began on June 18, are the largest since Ruto took office after the 2022 elections.
Addressing a rally in western Bomet County, President Ruto called for an end to the protests, saying: “Enough is enough.” He criticized the protest organizers for remaining “anonymous” and challenged them to explain the purpose of the violence. Protesters have stormed Kenya’s parliament, setting parts of it on fire and stealing the mace, the symbol of legislative authority.
Kenya’s main opposition leader, Raila Odinga, has expressed solidarity with the protesters, insisting on justice for the victims before any talks with the government. Odinga’s stance may complicate Ruto’s efforts to include opposition members in his cabinet, a move intended to quell the youth-led protests.
