March2Parliament!! Museveni Sets Tough Conditions For Protesters Who Were Arrested If They Want To Be Released

President Yoweri Museveni has extended an offer of amnesty to the organizers of recent anti-corruption protests, provided they voluntarily disclose the sources of their funding. The President’s announcement comes in the wake of a controversial demonstration that took place on Tuesday.

In his address, President Museveni praised the Armed Forces, Security Forces, and the public for their role in preventing the demonstration from escalating. He expressed his appreciation for their efforts in maintaining order and discouraging participation in what he described as a problematic protest.

The President identified two primary concerns regarding the demonstration. First, he highlighted that the protest was allegedly funded by foreign sources, which he criticized for their historical interference in Africa.

He pointed out that this interference includes past issues such as slave trade, colonialism, neo-colonialism, and economic exploitation. Museveni emphasized that Uganda would not tolerate such external manipulation, asserting that the country is not a neo-colony susceptible to these “shallow schemes.”

Second, President Museveni expressed concern about the intentions behind the protest. He claimed that some participants were involved in planning harmful actions against the Ugandan people. These alleged plans, according to Museveni, will be revealed in court as those arrested are put on trial.

He acknowledged that not all participants may have been aware of the foreign funding or the purported harmful plans, which is why he had advised against proceeding with the demonstration.

The President criticized those who ignored the police advice, suggesting that they should have heeded the warnings.Museveni clarified that had the demonstration been a genuinely patriotic, anti-corruption event conducted peacefully and coordinated with the police, he would have supported it and participated himself.

Meanwhile, Speaker Anita Among has dismissed calls for her resignation from young Ugandans who accuse her of corruption and abuse of office, labelling her critics as self-seekers wasting government resources and demonizing Parliament.

Among made the comments while addressing guests at the opening of the Shs2.7 billion St. Charles Lwanga Kigarama Church in Mitooma District on Sunday, June 28, 2024.

In her speech, Among asked rhetorically, “Resign and go where? I still have one term to serve. When I finish, I will hand it over to my younger brother Thomas.” She defended Parliament against accusations of corruption, emphasizing that MPs are not accounting officers and that the alleged thefts do not originate in Parliament.

During the church service, Among dismissed the allegations and affirming her commitment to serve out her term noting that she will later hand over the position to Tayebwa.

She lauded Tayebwa as a devoted Deputy Speaker and encouraged the people of Mitooma to re-elect him.Among accused the protesters of undermining Uganda’s values and being motivated by self-seekers who aim to disrupt the Parliament’s harmonious relationship with the Executive.