KAMPALA– The Uganda Police Force-UPF have warned the public not to participate in the planned march to parliament by anti -corruption activists, saying the protests are illegal.
The warning has followed the increasing talks of a march to Parliament on July 23 in protests especially on social media against fraudulent conduct and misuse of public funds at parliament saying that it has to be stopped by the citizens.
In one of the posts trending at X (formerly Twitter) account of one Dr Morgans (@GovernorMorgans) reads that, Join us on 23rd *peaceful protest Against Corruption**, its party less, Tribe less and Fearless.
The post added: “We welcome everyone, supporters of FDC, DP, NUP, ANT, NRM, individuals from all social classes, upper, middle, and lower, boda riders, market vendors and all hard working citizens. Let us unite all together, our voices will be heard, we stand united in our fight against corruption.” He posted.
Speaking on Monday, the Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Kituuma Rusoke, said they haven’t been informed of the said peaceful planned protest. He said the said protests are aimed at causing chaos in Kampala.
“We are informed of an ongoing mobilization calling for people to march to parliament that we are against this march, we want to warn organisers that such protests won’t be allowed anywhere, they are a potential of disorder.” Rusoke said.
According to Rusoke, they have acquired intelligence that the said protest is not peaceful but likely to be disastrous. “We have seen organizers using social media to mobilise people to parliament. We respect the constitutional right to carry out a peaceful demonstration and right to assembly but we know some people with ulterior motives will hijack these activities, to cause chaos.” Rusoke said.
The warning comes in the wake of protests in Kenya that have seen several people killed and injured over the controversial Finance Bill, 2024 which had proposed a wide array of tax and administrative measures affecting different tax laws.
