On the day of protests that were supposed to include an anti-corruption march to parliament and the occupying of streets in the capital Kampala and other cities, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the administration of Parliament have been warned against pushing young people as there is a precedent in neighboring Kenya where President William Ruto’s handling of Gen Z protests has plunged the country into a political crisis.
As protests started in Kampala, Parliament convened to resume its business after recess. Yet the protests are meant to demand more accountability from MPs and the resignation of Speaker Anita Among over allegations of corruption. Speaker Among’s deputy Thomas Tayebwa (Ruhinda North – NRM) presided over the plenary sitting on July 23.
Opposition MPs had a chance to speak about the protests. Butambala MP Muwanga Kivumbi noted that the current government, including Parliament of Uganda, had not given an opportunity for the young people to speak and be heard.
“Why they are acting so is they feel their issues don’t feature on the agendas and Order Papers of the Houses of Representatives. Therefore, for us to treat this matter and give it justice it deserves, create a temple where voices can be heard because democracy has no meaning if those who have an opportunity to speak don’t speak the concerns of those that have a responsibility,” he said.
“This August House is a House of representatives. Our cardinal fundamental role is to sniff out what concerns Ugandans and unflinchingly come to this House and debate these matters. In the whole of East Africa, not only in Uganda but also in Kenya, young people are raising their voices, they are speaking strongly and acting.”
Buhweju MP Francis Mwijukye wondered if the country was “at war” and asked how the army had come in. “While coming here, I met mambas manned by the Army, so my concern is to whether the Police has been overwhelmed such that the Police has taken over the mandate of the Police or whether somebody has declared state of emergency,” said Mwijukye.
Leader of Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi blasted government for its double standards, including why politicians from other political parties were allowed to undertake certain activities yet those of the National Unity Platform (NUP) were barred.
He informed the House that on July 22, NUP MPs Hassan Kirumira of Katikamu South, Charles Tebandeke of Bbaale County and Francis Zaake of Mityana Municipality were arrested and detained in Luzira Prison for going “to attend a regular press conference at the National Unity Platform’s Party headquarters.”
He also wondered why security arrested peaceful youthful protestors demonstrating against parliamentary corruption when weeks ago, security did not touch people protesting against Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo, the man pushing for the censure of commissioners over a controversial service award.
Ssenyonyi warned that if government continues to push the youths against the wall, it could face the current crisis as what President William Ruto is going through.
“You don’t want to press young people against the wall so much and then discover when it is too late. In Kenya, William Ruto woke up when it is too late, when they are already angry and agitated, you don’t have to wait for that, listen to them, they aren’t coming to fight, they are coming to share their grievances, which is a welcome thing,” warned Ssenyonyi, who faces allegations of corruption he has dismissed as propaganda as reported Here and There.
Several youths, including NTV Uganda and KFM presenter Faiza Fabz, have been arrested during the protests. Ahead of the march to Parliament, President Museveni warned youths and other Ugandans against playing with fire. (See Details Here and There).
