Uganda's President Museveni Warns Citizens: "Playing with Fire" Over Planned Protests
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni, known for his strict and uncompromising leadership, has issued a stern warning to citizens planning to participate in anti-corruption protests. The demonstrations, scheduled for Tuesday, have raised significant concern following recent deadly protests in neighboring Kenya, where at least 50 people were killed in clashes with security forces. Museveni, who has ruled Uganda with an iron fist for nearly four decades, made it clear in a televised address that the anti-corruption march would not be tolerated.
"What right... do you have to seek to generate chaotic behavior? ... We are busy producing ... cheap food, while others in other parts of the world are starving... and you here want to disturb us. You are playing with fire because we cannot allow you to disturb us," Museveni said during his extensive three-hour address.
Despite the president's warnings, many young Ugandans are determined to proceed with the protest. Social media platforms are buzzing with posts from defiant youth who are prepared to face the consequences of their actions. They plan to march to the country's parliament, even though the Uganda Police Force has refused to grant a permit for the protest, describing it as "potentially anarchic."
One activist, Ashiraf Hector, shared a poignant message on social media: "Just in case I get abducted or I die in the march, you can use this (photo) for creating awareness. Otherwise, tell mum I played a fundamental role in saving my country! I know she will be happy!" Another protester expressed a similar sentiment, highlighting their commitment to fighting corruption despite the risks involved.
A group of lawyers and activists has also voiced their support for the protest, arguing that the police do not have the legal authority to prohibit peaceful demonstrations. In a letter addressed to President Museveni, they emphasized the importance of upholding the constitutional right to assemble and demonstrate peacefully, urging the government not to violate these rights with impunity.
"The police cannot prohibit a demonstration from proceeding but have powers to regulate it to ensure it takes place within the confines of the law," the letter stated.
Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has thrown his support behind the protest, clarifying that it is an initiative organized by the youth of Uganda, not his NUP party. He raised concerns about the government's attempts to suppress the movement by arresting party leaders and cordoning off the NUP secretariat.
"The effort by the regime to clamp down and make it (the planned protest) look like an NUP initiative is meant to weaken it because they want to make it appear like a partisan matter," Wine said in a statement on X.
Corruption remains a pervasive issue in Uganda, with an estimated Sh. 10 trillion ($2.7 billion) in public funds being diverted each year. The country's anti-graft body, the Inspectorate of Government (IGG), has reported widespread corruption, which is a significant concern for the protesters. Uganda scored 26 on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index last year, indicating a high level of corruption.
President Museveni has acknowledged the problem, referring to corrupt officials as "parasites that must be stamped out." However, he insists that his administration does not victimizes anyone without proof of corruption, which has led some to believe that the ruling NRM party is lenient on corruption.
The upcoming protest is not just about corruption but also a call for accountability and transparency in governance. Protesters are demanding the resignation of high-profile officials, including the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, who has been sanctioned by the United States and the United Kingdom for corruption.
As the nation braces for the planned protests, the tension between the government and its citizens continues to escalate. Museveni's warning that citizens are "playing with fire" underscores the serious consequences that may follow, but it has not deterred the resolve of those committed to fighting for a corruption-free Uganda. The world watches as Uganda faces a critical moment in its pursuit of justice and accountability.
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni, known for his strict and uncompromising leadership, has issued a stern warning to citizens planning to participate in anti-corruption protests. The demonstrations, scheduled for Tuesday, have raised significant concern following recent deadly protests in neighboring Kenya, where at least 50 people were killed in clashes with security forces. Museveni, who has ruled Uganda with an iron fist for nearly four decades, made it clear in a televised address that the anti-corruption march would not be tolerated.
"What right... do you have to seek to generate chaotic behavior? ... We are busy producing ... cheap food, while others in other parts of the world are starving... and you here want to disturb us. You are playing with fire because we cannot allow you to disturb us," Museveni said during his extensive three-hour address.
Despite the president's warnings, many young Ugandans are determined to proceed with the protest. Social media platforms are buzzing with posts from defiant youth who are prepared to face the consequences of their actions. They plan to march to the country's parliament, even though the Uganda Police Force has refused to grant a permit for the protest, describing it as "potentially anarchic."
One activist, Ashiraf Hector, shared a poignant message on social media: "Just in case I get abducted or I die in the march, you can use this (photo) for creating awareness. Otherwise, tell mum I played a fundamental role in saving my country! I know she will be happy!" Another protester expressed a similar sentiment, highlighting their commitment to fighting corruption despite the risks involved.
A group of lawyers and activists has also voiced their support for the protest, arguing that the police do not have the legal authority to prohibit peaceful demonstrations. In a letter addressed to President Museveni, they emphasized the importance of upholding the constitutional right to assemble and demonstrate peacefully, urging the government not to violate these rights with impunity.
"The police cannot prohibit a demonstration from proceeding but have powers to regulate it to ensure it takes place within the confines of the law," the letter stated.
Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has thrown his support behind the protest, clarifying that it is an initiative organized by the youth of Uganda, not his NUP party. He raised concerns about the government's attempts to suppress the movement by arresting party leaders and cordoning off the NUP secretariat.
"The effort by the regime to clamp down and make it (the planned protest) look like an NUP initiative is meant to weaken it because they want to make it appear like a partisan matter," Wine said in a statement on X.
Corruption remains a pervasive issue in Uganda, with an estimated Sh. 10 trillion ($2.7 billion) in public funds being diverted each year. The country's anti-graft body, the Inspectorate of Government (IGG), has reported widespread corruption, which is a significant concern for the protesters. Uganda scored 26 on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index last year, indicating a high level of corruption.
President Museveni has acknowledged the problem, referring to corrupt officials as "parasites that must be stamped out." However, he insists that his administration does not victimizes anyone without proof of corruption, which has led some to believe that the ruling NRM party is lenient on corruption.
The upcoming protest is not just about corruption but also a call for accountability and transparency in governance. Protesters are demanding the resignation of high-profile officials, including the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, who has been sanctioned by the United States and the United Kingdom for corruption.
As the nation braces for the planned protests, the tension between the government and its citizens continues to escalate. Museveni's warning that citizens are "playing with fire" underscores the serious consequences that may follow, but it has not deterred the resolve of those committed to fighting for a corruption-free Uganda. The world watches as Uganda faces a critical moment in its pursuit of justice and accountability.