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Youth in Hoima City have joined the ongoing anti-corruption march to Parliament, declaring their demand for an end to corruption in Uganda.
This movement, spearheaded by a segment of Uganda’s Generation Zoomers (Gen Z), targets the pervasive corruption within Parliament and across the country. Inspired by their counterparts in Kenya—whose mass demonstrations pressured President William Ruto to retract plans for increased taxes and escalated into calls for his resignation—these young Ugandans have leveraged social media to organize their march against government corruption.
Participants were seen holding placards with messages like “Corruption must end in Uganda” and “We are Party-less.” They staged protests in the middle of potholes along Kampala Road, highlighting poor service delivery and corruption.
In Kampala, security forces intercepted and arrested several youths protesting in downtown Kampala. Among those detained at Arua Park police post were Sylvia Namutyaba, Habib Buwembo, Councillor Sserunkuma John Bosco (formerly known as Kaanakambaata), and others attempting to march to Parliament.
In a televised address on Saturday, President Museveni warned the youth against protesting, stating they would be “playing with fire” if they continued with the anti-corruption march to Parliament. Despite this warning, the organizers vowed to proceed with the march as planned, potentially setting the stage for confrontations with security forces.
Ugandan police and the army have heavily deployed around Kampala City to prevent the planned protests. Armored vehicles and personnel are patrolling the streets, with key roads leading to the Parliament of Uganda, including Nile Avenue, Siadi Barre Avenue, and De Winton Road, cordoned off by security forces. Access to these roads is restricted, with only pedestrians allowed through rigorous security checks.
A robust security presence is also evident at key roundabouts in Kampala, marked by the deployment of armored vehicles and personnel. These increased security measures are noticeable at major intersections, showcasing a visible show of force intended to maintain order and deter potential disruptions.
Emulating the strategies used by their counterparts in Kenya, where youth activism led to the abandonment of the controversial Finance Bill of 2024, Ugandan youth have been mobilizing online, particularly through social media, to challenge government corruption and demand accountability.