The Ugandan military has taken to the streets of Kampala in a bid to prevent planned anti-corruption protests from taking place near Parliament. Soldiers are seen manning roadblocks and blocking off access to key areas, effectively shutting down the planned demonstrations.
The protests were organized in response to widespread allegations of corruption within the government of President Yoweri Museveni. Many Ugandans have grown increasingly frustrated with the government’s handling of public funds and the lack of accountability for those in power.
The heavy military presence in Kampala has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to freedom of speech and assembly. Critics argue that the deployment of soldiers to suppress peaceful protests is a violation of democratic principles and an attempt to silence dissent.
Despite the military blockade, some protesters managed to gather in small groups to voice their opposition to corruption and demand accountability from the government. The situation remains tense, with reports of clashes between protesters and security forces.
The Ugandan government has defended the military presence, citing concerns about public safety and the need to maintain order in the capital. However, many are calling for a peaceful resolution to the crisis and an end to the crackdown on dissent.
As the standoff continues, the world watches closely to see how the situation in Kampala unfolds and whether the government will heed the calls for greater transparency and accountability.
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Video “Uganda protests: Military block off roads near Parliament” was uploaded on 07/23/2024 to Youtube Channel Al Jazeera English