The Ugandan government has stationed dozens of military personnel outside the headquarters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) in Kampala. This move comes a day before the planned demonstrations, which aim to address widespread corruption in the government.

Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, the leader of NUP, reported the heavy military and police presence at their offices in Kavule just before a scheduled press conference.

“Ahead of our scheduled press conference this morning, the military and police have raided and surrounded the National Unity Platform offices at Kavule. The cowardly regime is so afraid of the people because they know how much they have wronged them! They are so afraid of our message. Blockades like these are never a sign that they are so strong- they’re a sign that they are so weak,” he stated.

Ugandan police have declared the planned protests illegal, warning participants of severe legal consequences. However, legal experts argue that Ugandans have the right to peacefully demonstrate. Many youths plan to participate in the protests to voice their discontent with the rampant corruption that hampers public service delivery.

In a national address on Saturday night, President Yoweri Museveni accused some opposition figures of collaborating with foreign entities to incite chaos through illegal demonstrations. He issued a stern warning that further measures might be taken if such actions continue.

“These people are unfair and inconsiderate and should check themselves or we will have no alternative but to check them,” Museveni warned. He emphasized the potential disruption to daily life in Kampala, cautioning against demonstrations in busy areas where they could impact vendors and local businesses.

Museveni advised those wishing to protest against corruption to liaise with Col. Edith Nakalema, who organized an Anti-Corruption Walk in 2019, as a way to express their concerns without disrupting city life.

Despite these warnings, the organizers of the protests remain undeterred. “They are so afraid of our message,” Bobi Wine said, asserting that the government’s actions are a sign of weakness, not strength.

In a parallel situation in neighboring Kenya, persistent protests have pressured the government to take significant actions against corruption. President William Ruto recently dismissed his cabinet and introduced new measures to combat corruption and prevent the misuse of public funds.