Ugandan security forces have been put on high alert to avert any spillovers from opposition-led protests in neighbouring Kenya. One person is said to have been killed during the protests which have also rocked Senegal, South Africa, Nigeria and Tunisia over the same economic hardships.
Kenya opposition leader Raila Odinga, who narrowly lost last year’s presidential election to President William Ruto organised the protests that brought business to a standstill in Nairobi CBD.
Odinga says the protests codenamed #Maandamano will now happen every Monday until Ruto’s government heeds to their call and finds a solution to the high cost of living and reverses what he called a stolen election. Yesterday, President Ruto warned that the protests will not be allowed as the elections were free and fair and the high cost of living is only temporary and partly caused by external factors.
Police got overwhelmed after thousands of Kenyans turned up for the protests with their fiercest running battles happening in the poor Kidera neighbourhood – a strong opposition stronghold. Kenyans are suffering from surging prices for basic necessities, as well as a sharp drop in the local shilling against the US dollar and a punishing drought that has left millions hungry.
Addressing journalists on Monday, Uganda police spokesperson, Fred Enanga, has said they are closely monitoring the situation in Kenya and in case of any spillover, they are ready to swing into action to quell the effects.
“We are ready for any spillover effects that could arise out of the protests in Kenya,” Enanga said. “Like any other protest, there is always a potential of violence and for that matter, we have contingency plans to address any security and safety concerns that may arise along our eastern border with Kenya.”
He said although there is still peace at the border points with Kenya, they have nevertheless deployed and are keeping an eye, to make sure that such violent acts don’t spill to Uganda. Police also said they are keeping an eye on similar protests in South Africa which could also have an effect on happenings in Uganda.
“We know that, especially in opposition, they will want to come out to mobilize Ugandans to also demonstrate in the same manner in Kenya, South Africa, Tunisia, and Nigeria, we shall act accordingly,” Enanga noted.
The Observer
