While it is commendable that Ugandans are planning and organizing a protest called “March to Parliament” on July 23, 2024, which is intended to draw attention to issues of corruption, mismanagement, and unethical practices within government institutions or society, a march to parliament and any other similar movement cannot single-handedly end corruption in any country.
As Ugandans, as much as we would like to see corruption dealt with because it affects everybody in society and destroys development, unfortunately, the march to parliament is a far cry from being the solution as it is being promoted and organized by people with different agendas. The organizers are people who are fighting the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023.
Genesis of the July 23 March to Parliament
Ugandans got fired up following the Kenyan March to Parliament against a controversial tax bill that was intended to raise taxes. Thousands of protesters who marched to Parliament turned rowdy and destroyed properties worth millions, and a number of lives were lost in the process.
However, what Ugandans must bear in mind is that Uganda is not Kenya, and the purpose for which Kenyans marched is not similar to that of Uganda. Unfortunately, Ugandans are being coerced and hoodwinked to march for causes unknown to them. The Ugandan parliament is being attacked for passing the anti-homosexuality bill.
Therefore, Ugandans should put their foot on the ground and resist foreign forces who are using them as diversions to force parliament to change the anti-homosexuality bill.
Who Are the Forces Behind the July 23, 2024, March to Parliament?
Ever since the passing of the anti-homosexuality bill, there has been increased human rights activism, with a call to Uganda to embrace homosexuality. In the wake of the bill, a lot of sanctions from the western world against the movers of the motion and the speaker of parliament, as well as local human rights activists exhibiting hash tags targeting Parliament and the speaker, increased.
Case in point: Minister Andrew Mitchell’s of the United Kingdom parliament was quick to issue a statement condemning the government of Uganda and parliament for passing the bill and went ahead to warn that they will do everything possible to cause parliament to change the bill in favor of the gays.
“The UK government is appalled that the Government of Uganda has signed the deeply discriminatory Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2023 into law. We will stand up for these rights and freedoms in Uganda and around the world,” Mitchell said.
And indeed, that was the beginning of endless threats and activism through exhibitions under the cover of fighting corruption. They quickly imposed visa restrictions on over 300 lawmakers and their families over their involvement in the legislation, signed into law by the president.
In August 2023, the World Bank released a statement withdrawing financial support for Uganda and claiming that it does not agree with the anti-homosexuality bill, ACT 2023.
“No new public financing for Uganda will be presented to our Board of Executive Directors until the efficacy of the additional measures has been tested,” the statement read in part.
Robert Kyagualnyi, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), came out in the wake of the sanctions and clearly stated that it was his frequent visits abroad and his call to end human rights violations that led to the sanctions. However, the UK, as seen above, clearly stated that sanctions were imposed because the Ugandan parliament passed the anti-homosexuality Act 2023.
We are all aware that human rights activists who promote homosexuality and gay communities have not slept; they have kept social media platforms busy with a call to march to parliament.
One does not need to be a rocket scientist to figure out that their end goal is to get to parliament and force legislatures to change the bill to favor the gays.
Additionally, addressing the root causes of corruption, such as poverty, inequality, weak institutions, and a lack of political will, is crucial for making meaningful progress in the fight against corruption.
Therefore, to effectively combat corruption in Uganda, it is essential to implement comprehensive measures such as strengthening anti-corruption laws and institutions, promoting transparency and accountability in government processes, improving the rule of law, enhancing public sector governance, and fostering a culture of integrity in both the public and private sectors.
While public protests and activism can play a role in raising awareness and pushing for change, long-term success in combating corruption will depend on a combination of legal, institutional, and societal reforms, as well as sustained commitment from all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and the private sector.
Ugandans must shun being used as a tool to push for the changing of the bill, where the majority do not support this vice.