Leaders from the United Forces of Change, comprising political parties such as the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), People’s Progressive Party (PPP), National Unity Platform (NUP), Democratic Party (DP), Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), and Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), announced plans for a protest against the deteriorating state of roads in Kampala. The demonstration, scheduled for Thursday, is part of a series of activities aimed at expressing discontent in the country.
During a press conference at FDC Katonga Faction offices on Tuesday, the leaders highlighted the worsening crisis in the country, citing issues like abductions, illegal arrests, and uninvestigated extra-judicial killings. ANT National Mobilizer Winne Kiiza, reading a statement on behalf of the United Forces of Change, emphasized the urgency to address the deplorable road conditions, indicating that dignitaries attending the Non-Aligned Movement and G77+China summits would face challenges accessing the roads. Supporters were urged to plant bananas and trees in potholes as a symbolic protest.
In addition to the road-focused protest, the United Forces of Change leaders announced plans for joint National prayer tours across the country, starting in Iganga on Monday and proceeding to Lira on Tuesday. Sadam Gaira, Vice Chairman of the Peoples Progressive Party, cautioned against pursuing elective positions, emphasizing the need to stay focused on their cause.
NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi urged Ugandans to use the ongoing summits as a platform to voice their dissatisfaction with the government. While acknowledging the potential benefits of such summits, Kyagulanyi argued that they have disrupted daily lives and adversely affected businesses, primarily benefiting a small group of political elites.
Former FDC President, Dr. Kizza Besigye, called on all Ugandans to join the protest, emphasizing the importance of collective action.
The public outcry over the sorry state of roads in Kampala gained momentum last year, prompting a week-long online exhibition of potholes led by Dr. Spire Ssentongo. Ugandans used social media to share pictures of potholes in their localities, intending to draw attention to the dire situation and prompt action. In response, President Museveni ordered the release of 6 billion Shillings for road rehabilitation, but Kampala Capital City Authority mayor Erias Lukwago deemed the amount insufficient.
