Ugandan Activists in Canada Demand End to Repression in Uganda, Call for Sanctions Against Museveni Government

Ugandans, human rights advocates, and pro-democracy activists concluded a peaceful protest in Toronto today, calling on Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Ugandan government to halt repression and release all political prisoners. The demonstrators also urged the Canadian government to take decisive action against the Museveni regime, which they described as a “brutal and corrupt dictatorship.”

The protest, organized by the Ugandan diaspora and supported by human rights groups, highlighted the ongoing human rights abuses, political persecution, and corruption under Museveni’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) government. Protesters carried placards and chanted slogans demanding freedom for political prisoners, an end to repression, and accountability for those responsible for human rights violations.

Call for International Action
The demonstrators specifically called on the Government of Canada to cease all funding and security cooperation with the Ugandan government. They also urged Canadian officials to impose targeted sanctions, including travel bans to Canada, on Ugandan government and NRM officials implicated in human rights abuses and corruption.

Addressing Canadian leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, and Global Affairs Canada, the protesters emphasized the need for Canada to take a stronger stance against the Museveni regime. They argued that continued support for the Ugandan government undermines democracy and human rights in the East African nation.

A Message to the Canadian Government
“Canada must stop funding dictatorship in Uganda,” said one of the protest organizers. “The Museveni regime has consistently violated human rights, suppressed dissent, and looted public resources. We call on Canada to impose targeted sanctions on officials involved in these abuses and to end all security cooperation with this oppressive government.”

The protesters also highlighted the plight of political prisoners in Uganda, many of whom have been detained without trial or subjected to torture. They called for their immediate and unconditional release, as well as accountability for those responsible for their suffering.

Growing International Pressure
The demonstration in Toronto is part of a growing international movement to hold the Museveni government accountable for its actions. Similar protests and campaigns have taken place in other countries, with activists urging the international community to take concrete steps to support democracy and human rights in Uganda.

As the protest concluded, participants vowed to continue their advocacy until meaningful change is achieved. They called on the global community to stand in solidarity with the people of Uganda and to pressure the Museveni regime to respect human rights, end corruption, and allow for genuine democratic reforms.

For now, the eyes of the Ugandan diaspora and human rights activists remain fixed on Canada and other Western nations, hoping for decisive action to end the suffering of millions under Museveni’s decades-long rule.