A wave of anti-corruption protests was ignited today in Jinja as a group of disgruntled youths took to the streets, demanding the resignation of the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Honorable Anita Annet Among. The protesters, chanting “Stop Corruption,” marched to City Hall, voicing their discontent with the pervasive corruption within government sectors and calling for accountability at the highest levels.
This demonstration marks the beginning of a nationwide protest movement organized by opposition leaders who have called on Ugandans to participate in peaceful demonstrations. The march to Parliament is intended to highlight the rampant corruption that has plagued the country, with Speaker Among being one of the focal points of public outrage.
Among has been under scrutiny for a series of alleged corruption scandals, which have sparked widespread anger. The Speaker has faced accusations of misuse of public funds, questionable procurement deals, and allegations of abuse of office. Critics argue that her position has shielded her from accountability, fostering a culture of impunity within the Ugandan government.
The protesters in Jinja, primarily youths, have vowed to continue their campaign until their demands are met. They are calling for an end to corruption and the immediate resignation of Among, whom they accuse of undermining the integrity of Parliament. “We cannot have a Parliament led by someone whose name is tainted by corruption. We are marching to save our country’s future,” said one protester.
The march in Jinja is just the first regional protest in a broader plan to galvanize nationwide action. The next demonstration is scheduled to take place at Kaunda Grounds as Parliament begins regional sittings in Gulu District, where organizers expect an even larger turnout. The opposition has emphasized the peaceful nature of these protests, urging participants to remain non-violent while pressing for meaningful change.
The government’s response to these demonstrations remains to be seen, but with the protests spreading and public sentiment growing increasingly hostile towards corrupt officials, the pressure on Speaker Among and other implicated leaders is mounting.
As the march to Parliament continues, all eyes are on how the government will address the grievances of its citizens and whether Speaker Anita Among will heed the calls for her resignation.