President warns opposition is ‘playing with fire’ by taking to the streets.
Ugandan security forces have surrounded the headquarters of the main opposition party in anticipation of an anti-government rally against alleged corruption and human rights abuses. The National Unity Platform (NUP) office near Kampala was blockaded by police and soldiers to prevent access on Monday, provoking anger from President Yoweri Museveni who accused “foreigners” of orchestrating the protests.
NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, condemned the blockade, stating that it turned the headquarters into a military base and resulted in the violent arrest of opposition leaders. The 42-year-old pop star turned politician has risen as the top challenger to the 79-year-old Museveni, who has ruled for over three decades.
Ugandan youth, at the forefront of recent unrest, are planning a march to parliament to protest ongoing corruption and human rights violations. Transparency International ranks Uganda poorly on corruption perceptions, with opposition leaders accusing Museveni of shielding corrupt officials. In response, Museveni warned against the upcoming protest, cautioning youth that they are “playing with fire” by inciting chaos.
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