Protesters involved in the anti-corruption walk to the Ugandan Parliament have presented a series of bold demands aimed at tackling systemic corruption and improving governance.
The petition is anticipated to be delivered to the August House today, though the streets of Kampala remain largely isolated, scanty and peaceful, it is only left to be seen if their grievances that represent concerns for a section of the youths will be handed over to the head of parliament, the Speaker who they have implicated in galvanizing corruption in the legislature.
The high security around Parliamentary Avenue, Jinja Road, Nile Avenue, and Yusuf Lule Road has raised questions about the protesters’ ability to effectively deliver their message. The area is heavily guarded by the Special Forces Command (SFC), police, military, and other security personnel, with multiple checkpoints in place.
Galaxy FM Parliamentary reporter Zainab Ali has expressed skepticism about whether the protesters will be able to penetrate the heightened security measures. The streets remain dry and devoid of visible protestors, with most of the activity being carried out through social media campaigns.
At parliamentary avenue, one unidentified protestor who managed to beat security pulled out a placard and started chanting “corruption must stop”, however, he was soon blocked by a swarm of police and military operatives who grabbed and whisked him off to un unknown destination.
Let’s get to the real gist. The protesters have demands that some people have described as alien to the current regime. Among these is the resignation of Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, whom they have named the “chief thief.” Protesters allege that she has played a role in perpetuating a corrupt system.
The demonstrators are demanding a substantial cut in MPs’ salaries and allowances, proposing a monthly pay of 3 million UGX. They argue that this will lead to a more equitable allocation of resources and enhance financial discipline within the government.
Protesters seek a significant reduction in the number of MPs and ministers to lessen the financial burden on taxpayers.
They are also calling for the immediate resignation of four commissioners involved in the controversial 1.7 billion UGX service award scandal. The implicated officials include Hon. Solomon Silwany, Hon. Prossy Akampurira, Hon. Esther Afoyochan, and former Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga.
The protesters demand that the government tighten regulations on lifestyle audits and make these audits public.
They emphasize the need for better public services, citing deteriorating conditions across the country.
