Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has issued a stern warning to anti-corruption protest organizers, cautioning them against proceeding with their planned march to parliament. The young Ugandans behind the protest, inspired by similar demonstrations in neighboring Kenya, are demanding an end to corruption within the government.
In a televised address, President Museveni stated, “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.” The president accused some of the protest organizers of collaborating with foreigners to cause chaos in Uganda, although he did not provide further details.
Despite the police refusing permission for the march, one of the main protest leaders asserted that they would proceed, citing their constitutional right to peaceful demonstration. The UK and US governments have previously imposed sanctions on Ugandan parliamentary speaker Anita Annet Among due to corruption allegations.
In neighboring Kenya, President William Ruto has also faced protests demanding his resignation and an end to what activists call bad governance. The demonstrations, the largest in Kenya since Ruto took office in 2022, highlight the growing frustration with corruption and governance issues across the region.
As tensions escalate, both Uganda and Kenya grapple with the impact of corruption on their societies.
