Opposition parties in Uganda have raised concerns over the government’s alleged detention of homeless individuals and the demolition of thousands of roadside kiosks as part of a clean-up drive preceding two global summits scheduled for this month.
The East African nation is presently hosting the Non-Aligned Movement summit, followed by a meeting of the influential G77+China group, representing 134 developing countries. The opposition claims that the government’s actions in preparation for these summits have resulted in significant disruptions to lives and businesses.
Opposition leader Bobi Wine, also known as Robert Kyagulanyi, criticized the government’s actions, stating, “All in the name of preparing for the summits, so many lives have been disrupted and some have been completely destroyed as the government tried to put up a fake image.” He highlighted that more than 3,000 business premises were demolished in the Makindye Division, the neighborhood hosting the summits.
According to Bobi Wine, homeless individuals have been detained, and traffic disruptions have made citizens’ lives challenging. The National Unity Platform (NUP) leader called attention to the impact on citizens and criticized the government’s efforts to present a positive image for the summit.
John Kikonyogo, spokesman for the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) opposition party, added that small businesses were forcibly closed to project a more favorable image to summit visitors. A food vendor along the highway connecting Kampala to the main international airport shared her experience of having her business closed by police for security reasons, only to find it flattened the next day.
Authorities have also imposed restrictions on motorcycle taxis in Kampala for the summit’s duration, clearing them from their traditional parking zones. Minister for Kampala, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, defended the government’s actions, stating that businesses deemed illegal or structures unplanned were warned, and many vacated peacefully.
Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi reported that approximately 4,000 visitors, including over 50 heads of state, have confirmed attendance at the two summits. The Non-Aligned Movement, founded 63 years ago, aimed to provide a greater voice to countries caught in the power struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union.
