Kampala, (UG):- A Ugandan human rights lawyer Mr Patrick Joshua Okello has raised critical concerns about the recent wave of protests in Uganda, questioning their intent and potential consequences.
“The fact of the matter is that there are intended consequences from protests that people tend to overlook,” Okello told DailyExpress in an exclusive interview. While acknowledging protests as a democratic tool and right, he warned of their potentially damaging impact in a highly polarized political climate.
The protests, largely targeting Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, were marred by allegations of foreign funding and sinister motives. According to Okello, some protest organizers had been planning “very bad” things against the people of Uganda, suggesting ulterior agendas behind the public demonstrations.
The Soroti City-based lawyer defended the Speaker, who maintained her innocence despite facing double sanctions by foreign governments on corruption claims. “All that happened from the gathering opposition against the Speaker, both online and in nascent street protests, was masterminded by homosexuals,” Okello alleged.
He argued that the protests were politically motivated, centered on Among’s support for the contentious anti-homosexuality bill.
According to Okello, grievances against Among should have been raised through formal channels, such as petitions, instead of demonstrations. “The Speaker of Parliament is elected by members of Parliament,” he emphasized, dismissing the protests as a smokescreen for hidden motives.
Okello’s commentary extended to the broader role of protests in a democracy. He acknowledged the dual perspectives of democratic theorists: while some view protests as amplifying the voices of marginalized groups, others caution against their potential to escalate polarization.
“Ugandans must know that democratic theorists are not sure what to make of protests,” he said. He highlighted how protests, particularly in polarized societies, can sometimes exacerbate divisions and hinder progress.
Despite these concerns, the Rights lawyer concedes that protests are not inherently harmful or unnecessary. “Although protests can have many negative unintended consequences, especially in a polarized society, this is not to say that protests should not even happen or that they can’t be important to democracy sometimes,” he remarked.
He, however, criticized the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, for what he perceived as a failure to achieve their objectives. “The naked truth about Speaker Anita Among, especially concocted allegations, came out, and it was confirmed that all the allegations were false.”
“That’s why the protest move was dead on arrival,” Okello concluded.
Send us your story or opinion on: [email protected]. You can also follow Daily Express on WhatsApp for all the latest news and updates.
