Published on 27/06/2024
In a show of solidarity, Ugandan opposition lawmakers voiced their support for the ongoing protests in Kenya. Shortly after their announcement, Kenyan President William Ruto conceded defeat and declared he would not sign the contentious Finance Bill 2024. The news sent waves of relief across both nations, highlighting the power of unity and peaceful protest.
Muwada Nkunyingi, the MP for Kyadondo East and Uganda’s Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, urged Kenyans to disregard Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ statement that implicated Kenyan protesters in the burning of Uganda House in Nairobi. He described the ministry’s statement as premature and reckless.
During a press conference at the Ugandan Parliament, Nkunyingi questioned the motives behind the ministry’s accusation, noting that no investigative report had been released by the Kenyan government. He emphasized that Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs lacked the basis and authority to blame the protesters for the fire.
“The Uganda Foreign Affairs Ministry has no basis and has no capacity to attribute the fire on anyone, including protesters, at this stage, moreover in a foreign jurisdiction. Kenya is a sovereign nation with investigative agencies and arms. For Uganda’s Foreign Ministry to accuse and character assassinate the people’s cause of Kenya was premature, and we want to reject it in its full content and terms,” Nkunyingi stated.
Vincent Bagiire, Permanent Secretary of Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, had claimed in a letter dated June 26, 2024, that Kenyan protesters vandalized and set ablaze the newly refurbished Uganda House during the protests on June 25. Bagiire’s letter condemned the violence and affirmed Uganda’s support for peaceful demonstrations.
Nkunyingi challenged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide evidence supporting its claims, stressing that only the Kenyan authorities have the jurisdiction to investigate the incident. He warned that such premature statements could compromise the safety of Ugandans in Kenya.
Yusuf Nsibambi, MP for Mawokota South, supported the Kenyan protests despite his business in Uganda House being destroyed by the fire. He emphasized the importance of standing with the Kenyan youth against exploitation and oppression.
“Whatever is happening in Kenya is quite unfortunate. The youth have taken over the mantle of liberating themselves from exploitation and oppression. They are protesting the Finance Bill, which is the equivalent of what we have gone through as Parliament. On a personal note, I have a forex bureau on Uganda House called Link Forex Bureau, which was looted and completely run down. Still, I am very happy that the youths have come out to tell the world that enough is enough,” Nsibambi remarked.
Nsibambi, who also serves as the Whip for the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in Uganda’s Parliament, warned that similar protests could occur in Uganda if lawmakers continue to neglect the people’s needs.
“We have a duty and responsibility as MPs to ensure that our people are at least living in a decent way and not just enrich ourselves. What I see going on is really worrying. We don’t want to go the Kenyan way; inevitably, it will happen,” Nsibambi added.
Despite the protests, the Kenyan Parliament passed the Finance Bill, rejecting several controversial proposals from President Ruto’s administration, such as the 16% VAT on bread and transportation of sugar, increased mobile money transfer fees, and excise duty on vegetable oil. However, the protesters remained dissatisfied and had planned to march to State House before President Ruto announced his decision not to sign the bill.
