Who are the faces behind the July 23rd anti-corruption walk to parliament

Kampala, (UG):– The long-awaited July 23rd anti-corruption march to Parliament is getting closer and closer with now just four days to go.

The walk, organized in protest against increasing corruption in Parliament is being steered by four individuals who are actively rallying Ugandans through social media for this peaceful demonstration.

It is not yet clear if police will grant the organizers and protesters the chance to fulfil their march as police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma on Monday expressed concerns about the walk, suggesting that its motives are unclear and that it could attract harmful elements.

The organizers however revealed on Wednesday that they had sought police clearance through a letter dated July 12, addressed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), citing Section 5 of the Public Order Management Act, 2013 (POMA), which mandates organizers of public meetings to inform an authorised officer of the intentions.

“We ask the police to ensure equal treatment and maintain law and order before, during, and after the public meeting. We specifically request security for both the participants and the public, as well as a suitable traffic plan to facilitate the procession,” the letter to the IGP reads in part.

The march, expected to involve 100 participants, is scheduled to take place from 8 am to 6 pm. The day’s programme includes an assembly at the Railway Grounds in Kampala for speeches, followed by a march to Parliament.

But who are the organisers?

The Anti-Corruptipon walk organizers as profiled by Monitor are aged between 25 and 30 years. One of them is Ms Shamim Nambassa, the 87th guild president of Makerere University, who is now an intern pharmacist at Yumbe Regional Referral Hospital.

Nambassa, a NUP cadre and stronghold supporter of Bobi Wine explains that the youth have tried all avenues to demand better services without success. “The situation in Uganda is worsening in terms of service delivery, while we see leaders misusing money. This march is one of the few options left and is our right,” she says.

Another of the organizers of this walk is George Victor Otieno, a law student, who says he has always been passionate about social justice. He reveals that the demonstration is a collection effort. 

“Our efforts are fueled by the frustration and commitment of countless Ugandans who have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of systemic corruption,” Otieno says, before denying any allegations of receiving funding from international agencies to destabilise the country.

The claims against Otieno had been made by Parliament Communications Director, Mr Chris Obore.

“Chris Obore’s statements are laughable and hold no weight. Even if we were to entertain his baseless claims of international funding—which are false—he cannot erase the undeniable truth that sparked our call for action. The issues we raise are glaringly obvious, and our desire for change is driven by a genuine concern for our nation,” Mr Otieno says.

He explains that their goal is for Speaker of Parliament Anita Among to resign for what he alleges is her role in perpetuating a corrupt system and suppressing debate on vital issues.

 Another profiled organizer is one Kennedy Ndyamuhaki, a journalist, and tech startup founder. “This is a people-driven movement. We believe in peaceful protest and hope the police will respect our rights,” he says.

The fourth pillar of the July 23rd Walk is Ms Praise Aloikin Opolose, a law student, who says the demonstration will be peaceful and calls on the police to protect citizens exercising their right to protest.

Police respond

The newly appointed Uganda Police spokesperson, ACP Rusoke Kituuma when contacted confirmed that the IGP’s office had received the letter and would issue a communication in due course.

“The IGP received the letter and he will act accordingly, so let’s wait for a communication from the IGP,” Mr Rusoke said in a telephone interview.

“Demonstrations are a way of expressing grievances. We as police only intervene when people become uncontrollable or have ulterior motives.”