Take your demos to Kololo and other regional grounds- Balaam advises youths
The State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara has urged young people to engage in constructive dialogue rather than demonstrations in their efforts to promote a corruption-free country.
"I encourage young people to engage in peaceful and constructive dialogue. Instead of demonstrations, consider participating in rallies that promote a corruption-free nation. It's essential to present clear demands to the relevant authorities. Let's promote accountability, transparency, and patriotism," Balaam said in his X post.
He advised those planning Tuesday's march to Parliament protests to rather hold a peaceful rally at Kololo airstrip or other regional grounds instead of taking to the streets.
"Let's choose the corruption-free rally at Kololo airstrip and other major regional grounds as the most appropriate option instead of street demonstrations. Dialogue is a better choice than violence, which can emerge from demonstrations," Balaam said.
"Security has warned that wrong elements may take advantage of peaceful protesters to commit violence and crimes against civilians, their businesses, and property," he added.
It should be noted that recently, youths and activists have been calling on Ugandans to join them on July 23 in demonstrating against corruption and abuse of office at the Parliament.
However, police have warned that such demonstrations will not be allowed, saying some elements may take advantage to sabotage business and security in the central business district.
Balaam stated that dialogue is preferable to violence and reminded the youths that security had warned of potential elements who might exploit peaceful protests for violent acts.
He reiterated President Museveni's suggestion to hold the rally at Kololo Independence Grounds on a less busy day like Sunday, emphasising the importance of maintaining peace in the central business district.
"The President Kaguta Museveni has offered the Kololo airstrip for the corruption free rally, which can take place from morning to evening. Let's opt for peaceful rallies other than violence which may emerge from protests. We can be heard peacefully! Let’s maintain peace in Central business district," the Youthful minister said.
Museveni, in his Saturday nation address said that the planned demonstrations are a danger to city businesses and warned that they would not be allowed to take place.
"When you hear people talking of demonstrations, when you do it in a place like Kampala where people are selling on the roadside, are you going to step in their products? You are playing. Don’t have such ideas in your head.” Museveni said on Saturday evening.
