Non-essential staff at Uganda’s Parliament have been instructed to remain at home for two weeks as a precaution against potential disruptions from a planned peaceful march against corruption.

This directive affects contract workers, interns, and visitors, who are now restricted from entering the Parliament Building. Delivery personnel are required to show identification and drop off items without lingering.

Security measures around the Parliament Building have been intensified, with police deploying sniffer dogs to inspect all incoming property and luggage.

The Uganda Police Force (UPF) declared the march illegal, citing concerns over potential disturbances. Police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke stated that the march has been co-opted by individuals intent on destabilizing the country.

“The UPF has issued warnings about mobilization efforts on social media aimed at organizing a mass march to Parliament,” Rusoke said. “Such a large gathering would cause significant traffic congestion, disrupt trade, and disturb public order.”

Following a security assessment, the UPF advised the organizers to abandon their plans, emphasizing that disorderly conduct would not be tolerated.

President Museveni, during a televised address, warned against the march and advised organizers to choose a less disruptive time and location, such as a Sunday march to Kololo. He also suggested they contact Brig. Col. Edith Nakalema, the former head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, organised a lawful demonstration.

“These protests risk causing chaos and disrupting the livelihoods of those selling products on the roadside,” Museveni said. “If you must demonstrate, do it in a manner that does not harm others. We will take action if necessary.”

The President recommended that the protest organizers work with the Anti-Corruption Unit to arrange a march similar to the December 2021 Anti-Corruption walk to Kololo, where he had endorsed the Inspector General of Government (IGG) Beti Kamya’s anti-corruption strategy.