You are playing with fire – President to Protest organizers

Protesters planning a major anti-corruption march to Uganda’s parliament on Tuesday have been warned by President Yoweri Museveni that they will be “playing with fire” if they proceed with their demonstration. ..Read Full Article

The march, organised by young Ugandans through social media, aims to demand an end to government corruption.

The organisers have drawn inspiration from their counterparts in Kenya, where mass protests recently led President William Ruto to abandon plans to raise taxes. These protests have since evolved into calls for his resignation.

In a televised address, President Museveni made it clear 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 said.

Critics accuse Museveni of ruling Uganda with an iron fist since he came to power in 1986. However, his supporters credit him with maintaining stability in the East African nation. The president also alleged that some protest organisers were “always working with foreigners” to create chaos in Uganda, without providing further details.

Ugandan police had previously announced that they would not grant permission for the march to take place when parliament reconvenes on Tuesday. Despite this, one of the main protest leaders, Louez Aloikin Opolose, told AFP news agency that the demonstration would go ahead. “We don’t need police permission to carry out a peaceful demonstration. It is our constitutional right,” Opolose asserted.

The issue of corruption in Uganda has drawn international attention. Earlier this year, the UK and US governments imposed sanctions on Uganda’s parliamentary speaker, Anita Annet Among, following allegations of corruption. Among has denied any wrongdoing. The sanctions include travel bans to the UK and US, as well as an asset freeze imposed by the UK.

Similar sanctions were enforced on two government ministers who were dismissed by Museveni after facing corruption accusations. Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu have been charged in court over the theft of metal roofing sheets intended for vulnerable communities in the north-eastern Karamoja region, charges which both deny.

As the planned protest approaches, the situation remains tense, with both the government and organisers standing firm in their positions.