Museveni's threats cannot stop our anti-corruption crusade-Ugandan youth

A group of young people planning an anti-corruption march to Parliament have vowed to proceed tomorrow as scheduled, despite President Museveni's warnings against it.

In a televised address on Saturday, President Museveni cautioned the youth planning to protest, stating that they will be "playing with fire" if they move forward with the anti-corruption march to parliament on Tuesday.

Young Ugandans have been organising the march on social media to demand an end to government corruption.

They are partly inspired by their counterparts in Kenya, who organised mass demonstrations that led President William Ruto to abandon plans to increase taxes.

These protests have since evolved into calls for his resignation.

In his address, Museveni warned the Ugandan organizers 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.

Aloikin Praise Opoloje, a participant in the planned protest, said Museveni's warning highlights how disconnected leaders are from the citizens.

"It also peels away the layer of pretentious attention he has paid to corruption. It most importantly reminds Ugandans that this is a bad place to be in and it only gets worse a place of impunity," said Opoloje.

Opoloje emphasized that protest is a democratically protected right, adding that no threat should deter Ugandans from marching.

"We are already burning in flames of corruption! It's like Hell visited Uganda before the coming back of Jesus. Tomorrow, in a peaceful march, let's go and start the journey of demanding what is ours accountability," he said.

George Victor Otieno noted that President Museveni once called upon Ugandans to join him in the fight against corruption.

"Yet, when young people decided to mobilize and peacefully march against this scourge on July 23rd, he responded with threats and intimidation, warning them that they are 'playing with fire,'" said Otieno.

He added that this hypocritical stance is a slap in the face to every Ugandan yearning for a corruption-free nation.

"The President's words are a blatant attempt to silence dissent and discourage young people from exercising their fundamental right to peaceful assembly and protest," he said.

Otieno stated that the youth of Uganda are not playing with fire; they are demanding for a better future.

"They are calling for transparency, accountability, and a government that prioritizes the needs of its citizens. The President should be applauding their courage and commitment, not resorting to intimidation tactics," he said.

Otieno explained that this is not the time for fear but for action.

"The youth of Uganda must stand firm in their call for change. Let this moment be a turning point in our nation’s history. Let us rise above intimidation and unite in the fight for a corruption-free, prosperous Uganda," he said.

Makana Kennedy Ndyamuhaki said Museveni's warning won't dampen their spirits, adding that they know the power of their collective voice and won't be silenced by threats.

"To the young people, we say: stay bold, stay resilient! Our future is worth fighting for. We'll continue to demand accountability, justice, and equality. We'll march together, united in our quest for a better Uganda, and let our voices echo through the halls of power," he said. "We'll rise together, for a brighter tomorrow."

Shamim Nambassa, a participant in the protest and former Makerere University Guild President, said Museveni's remarks suggest a confrontational approach to young people’s frustrations, characterized by threats of violence.

This stands in stark contrast to the pressing realities of inadequate service delivery, high unemployment, and soaring living costs.

"Our resolve remains unwavering, and our message must be conveyed with clarity. We assert our right to peaceful demonstration, and no amount of intimidation or threats will deter us. The march will proceed as planned, undaunted by any attempts to obstruct our cause," she said.

Police had earlier announced that they had refused to give permission for the march to take place.

The UK and US governments imposed sanctions on the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, earlier this year after she was accused of corruption.

She has denied any wrongdoing. The sanctions bar her from traveling to the UK and the US, with the UK also imposing an asset freeze on her.

The UK has enforced similar sanctions on two government ministers who were sacked by Museveni after they were accused of corruption.

Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu have been charged in court over a scandal involving the theft of thousands of metal roofing sheets intended for vulnerable communities in the north-eastern Karamoja region.