MPs invite protestors to Parliament next week

MPs express support for anti-corruption protest at Parliament on July 23, 2024
Encouragement for peaceful participation and entry into the building
Warning to the Speaker of Parliament and Police not to block the protest

The "Stop Corruption March to Parliament" is slated for July 23, 2024.

MPs led by Hon Theodore Ssekikubo and Ssewungu Gonzaga, the legislators encouraged members of the public to take part in the march to parliament and ensure that they are peaceful.

“We welcome you here... the gates will be wide open. We want you to come into the building and walk around the halls, you can even go to the cafeteria and have some food,” said Hon Ssewungu during a press conference on Thursday.

“Just make sure that you are peaceful, Do not carry any guns, stones or even pens. Simply carry your placards with your anti-corruption messages.”

Check out: Minister Anite to join anti-corruption march to parliament

Speaker, Police warned

The MPs also warned the Speaker of Parliament Hon Anita Among against blocking this protest, having days earlier allowed another group of protesters to storm the house.

On July 12th, dozens of protesters were allowed inside parliament by police. These were chanting slogans against Hon Theodore Ssekikubo, whom they accused of not representing them well.

The group was led by Yiga Kisakyamukama Wamala, the recently appointed deputy resident district commissioner (RDC) of Gomba district. He is remembered for his shocking video in which he stripped naked and flashed his bare buttocks in a rant against opposition leaders.

At today’s press conference, Hon Ssekikubo said if such persons can be allowed in Parliament, everyone else should.

“The speaker must allow Ugandans to show their disdain to this corrupt parliament, especially since she already allowed hideous and vile people like (Kisakyamukama) to lead protestors in parliament,” Sekikubo retorted.

“This group came to the house and went to the fifth floor where the speaker sits; which has never happened before,” he added.

The MPs also warned Police led by the new IGP Abas Byakagaba not to attempt to block next week’s march.

They noted that since the Minister of Internal Affairs, Gen Kahinda Otafiire came out recently to support the protests against corrupt government officials, Police have no basis to intervene.

Early this week, the police spokesperson announced that the Stop Corruption March to Parliament would not be allowed to take place.

ACP Kituuma Rosoke, in his statement, emphasized the lack of clarity surrounding the organizational details of the march.

"Uganda Police is reliably informed of ongoing mobilization efforts on social media calling for people to march to parliament. Unidentified organizers have circulated placards urging people to gather on all Kampala streets on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, but the time of commencement and organizational details are unclear," Rosoke said. He pointed out that this ambiguity could lead to potential disorder.

The police spokesman further warned against proceeding with the march, stressing the importance of maintaining public order.