Ugandan President Museveni Warns Citizens Against Planned Protests: "You Are Playing with Fire"
Kampala, Uganda – The President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has delivered a stern warning to his citizens, vowing to take strong action against planned protests scheduled to take place in the country in the coming days.
Museveni, who has been in power for over three decades, urged the public not to engage in any form of rebellion or protest, warning them that they are "playing with fire".
"We will not tolerate any form of destruction or chaos in this country," said Museveni in a televised speech on Tuesday. "Anybody who goes out to cause trouble or disrupt the peace will face the full force of the law."
His warning comes amid growing concern over planned protests organized by opposition politicians and civil society groups, who accuse the government of corruption, tyranny, and human rights abuses. The protests were sparked by the government’s decision to hold a referendum on a proposed amendment to the Ugandan constitution, which would allow for extending the president’s term in office.
Museveni and his ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party have been accused of stifling opposition and dissent through a range of measures, including draconian laws and heavy-handed suppression of peaceful protests.
Critics accuse Museveni of using increasingly authoritarian tactics to maintain his grip on power, and warn that the planned protests could be met with even greater violence and repression.
"A peaceful protest is the right of Ugandans, and it is the last resort for those who are suffering at the hands of this oppressive government," said Mao Tiko, a spokesman for the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party.
"What Museveni is trying to say is that he will use force and intimidation to silence us, rather than engaging with us and resolving our grievances through dialogue," said Tiko.
The planned protests have been met with resistance from the police, who have already arrested several leading opposition figures and detained them ahead of the protests.
Meanwhile, foreign governments and human rights organizations have expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in Uganda, calling for restraint from the government and respect for human rights.
Museveni’s warning, however, has been met with resistance from many Ugandans, who vow to continue protesting until their rights and freedoms are respected.
"We will not back down," said Nabatanette, a 30-year-old demonstrator. "We have rights, and we will fight for them."
With tensions escalating in Uganda, the clock is ticking for a peaceful solution to the crisis.
https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/22/africa/uganda-anti-corruption-protest-intl/index.html