Uganda President Yoweri Museveni has challenged the planners of Tuesday’s protests in Kampala to step forward and disclose those funding them.
In his first statement since the protests, Museveni assured them they will not be arrested even as he sustained his onslaught against the foreigners he said are behind a scheme to destabilise the country.
“Those being funded by foreigners, should stop and report to the Minister of State for Ethics, those that have been funding them,” he stated.
"We shall not arrest them. In any case, we know a lot about the goings on in those groups. Our interest is to immunise Uganda against the schemes of the imperialists and their agents," Museveni said.
The protests, he further stated, were not about corruption as alleged but to wreak havoc in the country.
“If it was a patriotic, anti-corruption, peaceful demonstration, coordinated with the police, I would have been the first to join,” said Museveni.
He told the Ugandans that the fight against corruption is his responsibility and what he only needs is the evidence “and action will be taken.”
Some civil society groups reported that over 70 people were arrested during Tuesday's planned march to Parliament to demand the resignation of the speaker Anita Among.
Police have preferred “idle and disorderly” charges against the suspects, Museveni said.
The protesters were drawing their inspiration from their Kenyan counterparts who started by calling for withdrawal of the Finance Bill.
