Ugandan Protesters 'Playing with Fire' in a Planned Defiant Anti-Corruption March, Says President Museveni

In Summary

• Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni warned protesters planning a banned anti-corruption march that they are "playing with fire" and accused them of working for foreign interests.
• Despite the ban and police warnings, protest organizers insisted on proceeding with the demonstration, asserting their constitutional right to protest.
• Uganda ranks low on Transparency International's corruption perceptions index, and the protesters aim to highlight and combat corruption, taking inspiration from recent protests in Kenya.

KAMPALA, UGANDA- Ugandan protesters planning a banned anti-corruption march on Tuesday are "playing with fire," President Yoweri Museveni warned.

In a televised address late Saturday, Mr Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Museveni, who has ruled Uganda with an iron fist since 1986, claimed that the protesters included "elements working for foreign interests," without elaborating.

Earlier, Ugandan police had informed organizers that the protest in the capital, Kampala, would not be permitted due to intelligence indicating potential chaos. Frank Mwesigwa, the Ugandan police operations director, stated that demonstrations are allowed only if they do not cause public disorder.

Despite this, protest organizers vowed to continue, citing their constitutional right to peaceful demonstration. Louez Aloikin Opolose, one of the main protest leaders, emphasized that they do not need police permission.

Protesters aim to march past parliament, accusing it of tolerating corruption. Shamim Nambasa, a protester, stated that the fight against corruption starts with parliament.

Uganda ranks low on Transparency International's corruption perceptions index, positioned at 141 out of 180 countries. The anti-corruption protesters are inspired by recent demonstrations in Kenya, which have seen significant violence and casualties while addressing similar issues.