Dozens of military personnel have been deployed by the Ugandan government outside the headquarters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) in Kampala. This action comes just a day before the scheduled anti-corruption protests on July 23 across the country.
NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, expressed his frustration, stating that the authorities have raided and surrounded the NUP offices at Kavule. He labeled the regime as cowardly and highlighted their fear of the people due to the injustices they have suffered.
While the police have declared the upcoming demonstration as illegal and warned participants of the legal consequences, legal experts argue that Ugandans have the right to peacefully hold protests.
The youth involved in the demonstrations aim to express their dissatisfaction with the deeply entrenched corruption within the government, which undermines public service delivery.
Museveni Accuses Opposition Figures and Warns Against Chaos
In his address to the nation on Saturday night, President Museveni accused certain elements, including some opposition figures, of collaborating with foreigners to incite chaos through riots and illegal demonstrations.
He cautioned against disrupting city life and suggested that those wishing to protest against corruption should contact Col. Edith Nakalema, who organized an Anti-Corruption Walk in 2019, to avoid any disturbances.
Protests Continue Despite Government Blockades
Despite the government’s deployment of military personnel and blockades, the organizers of the protests remain resolute and declare that their activities will proceed as planned.
Bobi Wine expressed his belief that the authorities’ actions are a sign of their weakness rather than strength. He emphasized that such blockades only reinforce their determination to convey their message.
The success of protests in neighboring Kenya, which brought the Ugandan government to its knees and led to the firing of the cabinet and measures to combat corruption and prevent wastage of public funds, serves as an inspiration to the Ugandan protesters.
They are motivated by the impact that peaceful demonstrations can have in effecting change and holding those in power accountable.
