by Ben Ayuko
{Image by QFM_LIRA}
Armed Officers took to the streets of Kampala to arrest young protestors who were trying to speak up against the corruption of public officials.
These youthful protestors were marching toward the Parliament building in Kampala, demanding for the resignation of the Speaker to the National Assembly, Anitah Among, when they were intercepted and arrested.
This comes after Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni, had issued a warning to those planning to protest, saying that they were, “Playing with Fire.”
“What right… do you have to seek to generate chaotic behavior? … We are busy producing … cheap food, other people in other parts of the world are starving… you here want to disturb us. You are playing with fire because we cannot allow you to disturb us…”, Museveni said in a three-hour-long wide-ranging address.
This, of course, in the wake of the Anti-Finance Bill Protests seen all over Kenya whereby dozens-on-dozens-on-dozens of people were killed by Police sanctioned by President William Ruto, makes Yoweri Museveni’s words all the more ominous in nature as it is yet unclear what the words “Playing with Fire” are meant to imply.
Ugandan Opposition Leader, Bobi Wine, gave a statement in support of the protests which he made a point to claim were “organized by the young people of Uganda” and not his national party. The former musician, just a few years ago, was arrested amidst forming a campaign to challenge Museveni’s rule. His arrest led to protests in Uganda which were met with law enforcement. Dozens-on-dozens died on the day trying to push for his freedom.
He is back, this time, not at the forefront. but as part of the movement that would defy Museveni’s long-standing government.