Uganda Police Force (UPF) has warned the public against planned protests on 23 July,2024, dubbed ‘Occupy Uganda’.
In a statement on July 15, UPF Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said they will not condone any attempts to incite violence or breach public order in the demonstrations.
The protests, set to take place in the streets of Kampala are designed to culminate in a peaceful march to the Ugandan Parliament.
“Uganda Police Force is issuing a clear warning against attempts to incite violence or breach public order through uncontrolled demonstrations,” Rusoke warned.
Uganda readies for anti-Museveni protests
UPF added that the right to peaceful protest will not be compromised by ill-intentioned protesters whose aim is to cause public disorder.
“The right to a peaceful protest will be respected, but police will not tolerate attempts to incite public disorder, ” the force directed.
Also Read: Anti-Ruto Protests in Kenya Inspire Ugandans to Launch #OccupyUganda
Likewise, the police expressed its interest to collaborate with citizens who will be expressing their right to assemble and demonstrate peacefully.
“UPF urges persons who wish to exercise their rights such as the right to assembly and demonstrate to always work collaboratively with it to ensure that they don’t aid persons of ulterior motives to hijack these expressions to accomplish criminal intentions,” clarified the force.
Further, UPF clarified that it was informed of the mobilization efforts on social media calling for people to march to parliament, but the time of commencement and organizational details have remained unclear.
The #OccupyUganda protests are said to have been inspired by the recent youth-led protests in Kenya which saw Gen Zs take the streets to protest against the anti-finance bill 2024.
Kenya Gen Z led Protests
Earlier, there had been a call to action circulating widely on social media, urging Ugandan citizens to protest against corruption cases on July 23rd, 2024.
In a poster making rounds in social media, participants had been asked to carry placards, handkerchiefs and bottles of water, ensuring they are prepared for a peaceful yet impactful demonstration.
Also Read: Museveni Responds After Fire Burns Down Uganda House in Nairobi
Similarly, to Kenyan youth-led protests the movement emphasizes on the constitutional right to freedom of assembly and peaceful demonstration, as stated in Article 29of the Ugandan Constitution:
“Every person shall have the right to freedom to assemble and to demonstrate together with others peacefully and unarmed.”
President Yoweri Museveni has ruled Uganda since 1986, with no signs of relinquishing power in sight.
In March 2024, Museveni, 79, promoted his son General Muhoozi Kainerugaba to head the country’s military, signaling subtle power transfer.
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