The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi, has warned a section of youth planning to protest next week on July 23.
The demonstration, dubbed “March to Parliament,” calls for protest against corruption and the misuse of public funds by parliament.
Baryomunsi says that the government, working with security agencies, will not allow the demonstration, claiming that there are other avenues through which the youth can deliver or express their views rather than taking to the streets.
“Uganda is not like Kenya, and Kenya is not like Uganda. Instead of protesting, they should look for other options,” Baryomunsi said.
However, the protest organizers have vowed to continue with the march, requesting the police to provide them with security during the demonstration.
Earlier this week, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said that they have seen posters and flyers circulating on social media calling for a march to Parliament on July 23, but he stated that the event is not approved.
“We have seen organizers using social media to mobilize people to parliament. We respect the constitutional right to carry out peaceful demonstrations and the right to assembly, but we know that some people with ulterior motives might want to hijack these activities,” Rusoke said.
This comes at a time when young Kenyans are using digital media to organize and voice their opposition against the government.