Following the anti-government protests in Kenya, neighboring Uganda is bracing for its own demonstrations. Protesters are set to take to the streets on Tuesday, despite stern warnings from President Yoweri Museveni of severe repercussions.
Inspired by the Kenyan protests, young Ugandans have utilized social media to organize an anti-corruption march to the parliament. President Museveni has cautioned that those who go ahead with the protests will face serious consequences. In a televised address, he declared that the protests would not be tolerated and accused some organizers of collaborating with foreign elements to incite chaos, similar to accusations made by Kenyan President Ruto.
Ugandan police have informed the organizers that the planned protest in Kampala will not be allowed, citing intelligence that certain groups might use the demonstration to cause unrest. Although these groups have not been publicly identified, protesters remain resolute, asserting their constitutional right to demonstrate and planning to move forward with the rallies.
The protests are driven by widespread anger over corruption. Uganda ranks 141 out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s corruption index, which measures levels of perceived public sector corruption. Several government officials, including the Parliament Speaker, have faced foreign sanctions over corruption allegations. Adding to the tension, opposition leader Bobi Wine reported that heavily armed security forces raided his party headquarters and arrested several leaders ahead of the protests, although the police have not confirmed these claims.
President Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, is often accused of maintaining an authoritarian grip on the country and cracking down on opposition leaders. As protesters gear up to challenge the government, these East African demonstrations may reflect a broader trend of youth-led movements crossing national borders and inspiring more young people across the region.
The protests in Kenya have already shown how Generation Z can pressure authorities to respond. Whether these movements will bring about positive change or further chaos in East Africa remains to be seen.
