Ugandan lawyer Patrick Joshua Okello has raised concerns over the ongoing protests across the country, claiming they are being funded by Western countries and warning against their potential to exacerbate Uganda’s political challenges.
Okello argued that protests, while a democratic tool, they are not the solution to the country’s problems and urged Ugandans to seek alternative avenues for resolving disputes.
In recent months, opposition groups and human rights activists have taken to the streets and online platforms to protest against alleged human rights violations and abuses of power by the sitting government.
These demonstrations have been met with a strong response from authorities, with numerous arrests.
The arrest of high-profile figures such as Dr. Kizza Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and former leader of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC); his co-accused Obed Lutale; and lawyer Eron Kiiza have further fueled tensions, with many protesters accusing the government of stifling dissent and undermining democracy.
However, Okello has criticized the protests as counterproductive, suggesting that they are being manipulated by external forces.
According to Okello, the protests are being financed by Western entities with hidden agendas aimed at destabilizing the country.
“Protests are a right in a democracy, but they can be a damaging tool when politics are highly polarized,” he said.
Okello also alleged that some protesters were planning harmful actions against Ugandans, emphasizing the importance of critically assessing the motivations behind these movements.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has found herself at the center of controversy, with protests and online campaigns targeting her leadership amid allegations of corruption.
Okello dismissed these actions as politically motivated, linking them to Among’s firm stance on the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which has drawn criticism from international actors.
“The campaign around Speaker Anita Among is a smokescreen by those with ulterior motives,” Okello stated
He argued that these protests were orchestrated by individuals seeking to undermine Uganda’s sovereignty and values.
Okello further suggested that concerns about Among’s leadership could have been addressed through democratic processes, such as petitions, rather than street demonstrations.
“The Speaker of Parliament is elected by members of Parliament. If there are grievances, they should be addressed through proper channels,” he said.
Okello’s remarks have reignited debates about the role of protests in a democratic society.
While some democratic theorists view protests as essential for giving voice to marginalized groups and holding leaders accountable, others caution against their potential to deepen divisions and hinder progress, particularly in polarized societies.
“Protests can sometimes alter opinions for the worse, making real progress even more difficult,” Okello noted.
He pointed to examples from countries like Hungary, Poland, and Turkey, where protests have served as critical tools for defending democracy but have also led to unintended negative consequences.
Okello called on Ugandans to weigh the positives and negatives of protests carefully, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue and unity.
“Although protests can be important to democracy at times, people often overlook the unintended consequences,” he said.
The lawyer expressed concern about the role of younger generations, particularly Gen Z, in amplifying protests through social media without fully considering their implications.
He cited the protests against Speaker Among as an example, arguing that they were based on false allegations that were later debunked.
“The naked truth about Speaker Anita Among eventually came out, and it was confirmed that all the allegations were false. That’s why the protest movement was dead on arrival,” Okello said.
Okello urged Ugandans to prioritize dialogue and democratic institutions over street protests.
“Protests should not be the first or only option. Let’s find reasonable ways of addressing disputes and strengthening our democracy,” he said.
He called on citizens to critically assess the motivations behind protests and to work toward unity and progress.
“We must focus on what unites us as a country and use democratic channels to address our differences,” Okello concluded.
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