March to Parliament: Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Protests Escalate

KAMPALA, Uganda — The streets of Kampala have been engulfed by a wave of anti-corruption protests that began on July 23, 2024, and continue to gain momentum. Dubbed the “March to Parliament,” these demonstrations are part of a broader movement inspired by recent protests in Kenya. The protesters are demanding an end to widespread corruption and greater transparency and accountability from the Ugandan government.

Arrests and Incidents
To date, more than 100 protesters have been detained by police. Among those arrested are prominent figures, including a well-known TV presenter and three young protest leaders. The Ugandan police have used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds, leading to chaotic scenes and multiple injuries.

The arrests have been made under charges such as “common nuisance,” a colonial-era law often misused to suppress legitimate protests. Human rights organizations have condemned these arrests, calling for the immediate release of all peaceful demonstrators and an investigation into the use of force by security forces​ (Human Rights Watch)​​

Protesters’ Demands
The protesters have articulated several key demands:

Resignation of Speaker of Parliament Anita Among: Citing her involvement in corruption scandals, the demonstrators are calling for her immediate resignation.
Reduction of Parliamentary Salaries: Ugandan parliamentarians are among the highest-paid in the world, and protesters are demanding a significant reduction in their salaries.
Accountability and Transparency: The demonstrators are pushing for greater transparency in government operations and accountability for corrupt officials.
Respect for Constitutional Rights: Protesters emphasize their constitutional right to peaceful assembly and free speech, demanding that these rights be upheld by the government.

Government Response
President Yoweri Museveni has issued stern warnings to the protesters, stating that they are “playing with fire” by continuing their demonstrations. He has accused the protest organizers of working with foreign entities to destabilize Uganda. Despite these threats, the protesters have remained resolute, insisting on their right to protest and demanding meaningful changes​ (Monitor)​​ (Monitor)​.

International Reaction
The international community has expressed concern over the Ugandan government’s response to the protests. Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained protesters. They also urge the Ugandan authorities to engage in constructive dialogue with their citizens and address the legitimate grievances being raised​ (Human Rights Watch)​​​.

The “March to Parliament” protests in Kampala highlight the growing frustration among Ugandans with corruption and lack of accountability within their government. As the situation continues to develop, the eyes of the world remain on Uganda, watching to see how the government will respond to the demands of its people. The Resurgence Network for Human Rights, along with other advocacy groups, will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for the rights of all Ugandans to peacefully protest and express their views.