Toronto Airshow Should Never Happen Again, Urges Ugandan Activist Samuel Kisitu

Samuel Kisitu, a prominent Ugandan activist and member of the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, has made a fervent appeal for the cancellation of the Toronto Airshow, labeling it a glorification of war and militarism. Kisitu, who fled Uganda seeking asylum in Canada after being targeted for his support of the People Power Movement—now the National Unity Platform led by Bobi Wine—was a key speaker at the event where he condemned the airshow as a blatant advertisement for militarism.

Kisitu’s message resonated deeply with many, especially those who have experienced the devastating effects of war. He highlighted the troubling connections between military exhibitions like the Toronto Airshow and the real-world consequences of militarism, particularly in countries like Uganda.

Canada, while often celebrated for its peacekeeping efforts, has a significant military presence globally, including its involvement in Uganda. Although Canada’s direct military spending in Uganda is not as prominent as in other regions, it plays a role through arms exports and military training. According to the Canadian government, Uganda has been a recipient of Canadian military aid and training, particularly in counter-terrorism efforts and peacekeeping training under initiatives like Operation Soprano and Operation Sculptor, which involve the deployment of Canadian Armed Forces personnel to African Union missions in Somalia and other parts of East Africa.

Kisitu argued that this military involvement, though often justified as peacekeeping or anti-terrorism, contributes to the cycle of violence in regions like East Africa. Canadian-made military equipment has been sold to Uganda, where it has reportedly been used in internal conflicts and to suppress political dissent. For instance, in the past, there have been reports of Canadian rifles and armored vehicles being used by Ugandan security forces to quell opposition protests, raising ethical concerns about Canada’s role in fueling conflicts abroad.

The Toronto Airshow

Kisitu emphasized that the Toronto Airshow, with its display of military aircraft like the Canadian Armed Forces’ CF-18s and the U.S. Air Force’s Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptors, serves to sanitize and normalize the tools of war. He pointed out that these aircraft are not just impressive feats of engineering but weapons of destruction that have been used in conflicts across the globe, including Afghanistan, Libya, Iraq, and Syria. The CF-18s, for example, have been involved in operations that have resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction of infrastructure, contributing to humanitarian crises and mass displacement.

Kisitu argued that the airshow re-traumatizes refugees and migrants who have fled war zones, bringing back memories of the terror they escaped. The roar of warplanes flying low over the city is not just a disturbance but a painful reminder of the violence and chaos these machines can unleash.

Kisitu’s plea was not just for the cancellation of the Toronto Airshow but for a broader rethinking of how militarism is celebrated and normalized in society. He called for an end to war, an end to borders, and an end to the two-tiered immigration system that discriminates against undocumented migrants. He also demanded that Canada take responsibility for its role in global conflicts by ending its arms exports to repressive regimes and providing permanent residency status to all migrants and refugees, regardless of their documentation status.

“We cannot continue to glorify the tools of war that have caused so much pain and suffering,” Kisitu stated. “We must stop the airshow and start holding accountable those who profit from war and bloodshed.”

As the debate over the Toronto Airshow continues, Kisitu’s message serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of militarism and the need for a more peaceful and just world. His call for action is a plea for Canada to live up to its reputation as a beacon of peace and human rights by ending its involvement in global conflicts and supporting those who have been displaced by war.