By V. E. K. Madhushani, Jadetimes News
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has issued a stark warning to protesters planning an anti corruption march to parliament on Tuesday, stating they will be "playing with fire" if they proceed.
Young Ugandans, galvanized by social media, have organized the march to demand an end to government corruption. Their movement has drawn inspiration from recent mass demonstrations in neighboring Kenya, where protesters compelled President William Ruto to abandon plans for tax increases, subsequently escalating into calls for his resignation.
In a televised address, President Museveni declared 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 asserted.
Critics accuse Museveni of ruling Uganda with an iron hand since he assumed power in 1986. However, his supporters commend him for maintaining stability in the East African state. The president also accused some protest organizers of "always working with foreigners" to incite chaos in Uganda, though he did not provide further details.
The police had previously announced their refusal to grant permission for the march, scheduled to coincide with the opening of parliament on Tuesday. Despite this, one of the main protest leaders, Louez Aloikin Opolose, told AFP news agency that the demonstration would proceed. "We don't need police permission to carry out a peaceful demonstration. It is our constitutional right," Opolose stated.
Earlier this year, the UK and US governments imposed sanctions on Uganda's parliamentary speaker, Anita Annet Among, following accusations of corruption, which she denies. The sanctions prevent her from traveling to the UK and the US, with the UK also implementing an asset freeze against her.
Additionally, the UK has imposed similar sanctions on two government ministers, Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu, who were dismissed by President Museveni after facing corruption charges. Both have been charged in court over a scandal involving the theft of thousands of metal roofing sheets intended for vulnerable communities in the north eastern Karamoja region.
