Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has threatened to suppress anti-corruption protests planned for Tuesday, warning organizers that they are “playing with fire.” The protests, inspired by recent demonstrations in neighboring Kenya, demand an end to government corruption in Uganda.Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has threatened to suppress anti-corruption protests planned for Tuesday, warning organizers that they are “playing with fire.” The protests, inspired by recent demonstrations in neighboring Kenya, demand an end to government corruption in Uganda. Museveni’s speech expressed disapproval of the planned march and declared that it would not be tolerated. He accused organizers of collaborating with foreign entities to incite unrest in Uganda. The police have previously denied permission for the march. Despite the ban, protest organizers remain determined to proceed. Louez Aloikin Opolose, one of the main leaders, stated that the demonstration is a constitutional right and does not require police approval. Uganda has been under Museveni’s iron-fisted rule since 1986. His supporters credit him with maintaining stability in the East African nation, while critics accuse him of authoritarianism. The threat of suppression comes amidst corruption allegations against high-ranking officials. Earlier this year, the UK and US imposed sanctions on Ugandan Parliament Speaker Anita Annet Among, accusing her of corruption. Two ministers have also been sanctioned and charged with theft of roofing sheets intended for vulnerable communities. Similar protests in Kenya have led to calls for President William Ruto’s resignation. Despite Ruto’s plea for an end to demonstrations, organizers have announced further protests for Tuesday. The protests have been marred by violence, with at least 50 deaths and 413 injuries reported. Kenya’s main opposition leader, Raila Odinga, has expressed support for the protesters. His stance could hinder Ruto’s efforts to include opposition figures in his cabinet and quell youth-led protests. The situation in Uganda and Kenya highlights growing public frustration over corruption and calls for accountability in East African governments.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has warned protesters they are “playing with fire” if they go ahead with plans to stage an anti-corruption march on parliament on Tuesday.
Young Ugandans organised a march on social media to demand an end to government corruption.
They are partly inspired by their counterparts in neighbouring Kenya, who organised mass demonstrations that forced President William Ruto to abandon his plans to raise taxes. The protests have now escalated into calls for his resignation.
In a televised speech, Mr Museveni warned Ugandan organisers that their 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, but his supporters praise him for maintaining stability in the East African state.
The president also accused some of the protest organizers of “always working with foreigners” to cause chaos in Uganda. He did not elaborate.
The police had previously announced that they would not grant permission for the march.
One of the main leaders of the protest told AFP news agency that they would continue.
“We don’t need police permission to hold a peaceful demonstration. It’s our constitutional right,” Louez Aloikin Opolose was quoted as saying.
The UK and US governments earlier this year imposed sanctions on Ugandan Parliament Speaker Anita Annet Among after she was accused of corruption.
She denies any wrongdoing.
The sanctions ban her from traveling to the U.K. and the U.S. The U.K. also said it would impose an asset freeze on her.
The UK has imposed similar sanctions on two ministers who were sacked by Mr Museveni after they too were accused of corruption.
Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu have been brought to court over a scandal involving the theft of thousands of metal roofing sheets destined for vulnerable communities in the northeastern region of Karamoja.
Both deny the allegations.
In Kenya, President Ruto also called for an end to protests that have hit his government, saying: “Enough is enough.”
The protests are the largest in Kenya since Ruto took office after winning the 2022 election.
Activists have planned further demonstrations for Tuesday to demand his resignation and an end to what they say is misrule.
Speaking at a rally in western Bomet County, Mr Ruto said protest organisers could not remain “anonymous” and should “come forward and tell us what this violence is going to bring”.
Last month, some protesters stormed the parliament building, set part of it on fire and stole the baton, the symbol of the legislature’s authority.
According to protest organizers, their demonstrations were largely peaceful.
They accuse the police and military of responding with excessive force and killing peaceful protesters.
At least 50 demonstrators have been killed and 413 injured since the protests began on June 18, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
Kenya’s main opposition leader, Raila Odinga, has expressed solidarity with the protesters, saying justice must be given to the victims before talks can begin with the government.
Mr Odinga’s position could undermine Mr Ruto’s bid to include opposition figures in his cabinet, which the party hopes will help end youth-led protests.
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