Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has issued a stern warning to protest organizers, saying they will be “playing with fire” if they proceed with their planned anti-corruption march to parliament on Tuesday. The march, organized by young Ugandans via social media, aims to combat government corruption and has drawn inspiration from recent protests in neighboring Kenya that led to significant political changes.
In a televised address, Museveni condemned the planned protest, asserting, “We are focused on generating wealth… and you want to disrupt us. We cannot allow you to disturb our progress.”
Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, faces criticism for his authoritarian rule but is also praised by supporters for maintaining stability in Uganda. He further accused some protest leaders of collaborating with foreign entities to incite unrest, though he did not provide details.
Police have denied permission for the march to coincide with the parliamentary opening, but protest leader Louez Aloikin Opolose has vowed to proceed, asserting, “We don’t need police permission for a peaceful demonstration; it is our constitutional right.”
Earlier this year, the UK and US imposed sanctions on Uganda’s parliamentary speaker, Anita Annet Among, over corruption allegations, which she denies. The sanctions include a travel ban and asset freeze. The UK also sanctioned two former ministers, Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu, who are facing charges related to the theft of aid intended for vulnerable communities in the Karamoja region.