Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has issued a stern warning to citizens planning anti-corruption protests, cautioning them that they are "playing with fire." The upcoming demonstrations follow a series of deadly anti-government protests in neighboring Kenya that claimed the lives of at least 50 people. Despite the president's warning and the denial of a permit by the police, many young Ugandans have taken to social media to pledge their participation in the march to the parliament.

President Museveni, who has ruled the country for nearly four decades with a firm hand, expressed his opposition to the planned march during a three-hour televised address. He questioned the protestors' right to incite chaos, highlighting Uganda's efforts to produce food while others in different parts of the world suffer from hunger. The president emphasized that disturbing the country would not be tolerated.

The Uganda Police Force has described the protests as potentially anarchic and issued a statement warning that disorderly conduct would not be tolerated. However, a group of lawyers and activists stated in a letter that the police cannot entirely prohibit peaceful demonstrations but can regulate them within the confines of the law. They urged President Museveni to safeguard the citizens' constitutional right to assemble and protest peacefully.

Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine, clarifying that the protest is organized by the young people of Uganda and not his NUP party, voiced support for the demonstration. He raised concerns about his party's secretariat being cordoned off, and claimed that some party leaders had been forcefully arrested ahead of the scheduled march. Wine suggested that the regime's efforts to associate the protest with the NUP party were aimed at weakening its impact.

Corruption remains a significant challenge in Uganda, with the Inspectorate of Government estimating that approximately Sh. 10 trillion ($2.7 billion) in public funds is diverted each year. Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index ranked Uganda at 26 last year, indicating a high level of corruption. President Museveni had previously pledged to combat corruption, asserting that his ruling party does not accuse individuals without proof.

Protesters demanding an end to corruption in Uganda are unimpressed with the government's efforts, calling on fellow citizens to join the "#March2Parliament" on July 23 to "#StopCorruption." Some have also demanded the resignation of Anita Annet Among, the Speaker of Parliament, who was sanctioned by the United States and the United Kingdom earlier this year for alleged involvement in significant corruption. Among has refuted the sanctions, claiming they were politically motivated and a result of Uganda's refusal to succumb to international pressure following the passage of an anti-LGBTQ law last year.

As tensions rise ahead of the anti-corruption protests, the government faces a difficult challenge in managing the growing demands for transparency and accountability.