Corruption: Museveni Tasks Nakalema to Organize Anti-Corruption Walk on a Sunday

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has attributed the peaceful demonstration organized by the youth to protest against corruption on July 23, 2024, to funding from foreign sources. Museveni reacted to the incident two days after over 60 youths were arrested and arraigned in court for exercising their right to a peaceful demonstration.

The president cited imperialism as a factor that fueled the demonstration, reiterating foreign involvement in Uganda’s and Africa’s internal affairs. He emphasized that Uganda is not a neo-colony for the deployment of shallow schemes. He revealed that there were attempts by demonstrators to plan harmful actions against Ugandans, stating that the justice system will reveal these plans as many demonstrators are being tried in court. Museveni further elaborated that the foiling of the demonstration was informed by high-quality intelligence.

However, he acknowledged that some participants in the demonstration were unaware of the foreign influence and malicious plans, stating that they should have heeded police advice not to demonstrate. “If it was a patriotic, anti-corruption, peaceful demonstration coordinated with the police, I would have been the first to join,” he stated.

Museveni proposed that Nakalema coordinates with genuine anti-corruption fighters for a walk against corruption on a Sunday, a day that presents limited traffic and activity. Colonel Edith Nakalema is a UPDF officer and a Senior Presidential Advisor – AntiCorruption and the Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit

He also pledged to participate after renovations at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds are complete. He discouraged any demonstrations in heavily populated suburbs such as Kawempe and Bwaise, because they damage the wealth creation efforts that people are diligently building.

Museveni, in his quotes, said, “I have most of the information. Next week, I will make a broadcast and discuss more on the issue. I praise the Lord that there was no bloodshed on Tuesday. The fight against corruption is in my hands. I just need evidence and action will be taken. The accounting officers are the guardians of government money, procurement, and personnel (jobs, welfare). They have let us and themselves down. I am now leading this little war. We fought the bigger war. We shall win this one also.”