Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, during a televised address on Saturday night, accused foreign powers of a scheme to finance anti-government protests in his country. This announcement came amid reports that youth planned to demonstrate in the capital, Kampala, and other parts of Uganda.
Echoing Ruto’s Accusations
This development mirrors accusations made earlier by Kenyan President William Ruto, who alleged that the United States-based Ford Foundation was financing Gen Z-led protests across Kenya. However, in his address, Museveni did not name any specific foreign organization, instead issuing a broad warning to the youth against being manipulated by external forces.
Warnings and Repercussions
Museveni cautioned that any protests would be met with severe consequences. “What right do you have to seek to generate chaotic behaviour? We are busy producing wealth, you are getting cheap food, and other people in other parts of the world are starving,” he said. “And you here, you want to disturb us, you are playing with fire. We cannot allow you to disturb us.”
Coordinated Protests
The timing of the protests in Uganda coincides with planned demonstrations in Kenya, both set for Tuesday. While Ugandan youth are demanding an end to corruption in Museveni’s government, Kenyan youth are calling for better governance.
Ford Foundation Under Scrutiny
President Ruto had previously criticized the Ford Foundation on July 15, questioning how the funds channelled to Kenyan Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) were being utilized. “If they are going to sponsor violence and anarchy we are going to call them out and we are going to tell them they either style up or they leave,” Ruto asserted.
In the past year, the Ford Foundation has reportedly provided close to Ksh1 billion to various NGOs in Kenya, raising concerns among government officials about the potential misuse of these funds.
Conclusion
Both Museveni and Ruto’s statements highlight the growing tension between East African governments and foreign organizations accused of meddling in local affairs. As protests loom, the situation remains volatile, with both leaders prepared to take decisive action to maintain order. The international community will be watching closely to see how these events unfold and what impact they will have on regional stability.
