Robert Kyagulanyi, the National Unity Platform (NUP) principal, has praised creatives and all Ugandans who have spoken out, joined, mobilized, and taken part in the protests against corruption and misrule that started last week.
After over a month of online mobilization, Gen Z protestors hit several streets in the Kampala Central Business District from July 23, protesting against continued corruption allegations in the Uganda Parliament, including those against Speaker Anita Among.
In his post on X (formerly Twitter), Kyagulanyi noted that creatives such as singers, comedians, media personalities, cartoonists, and photographers are all products of society and he emphasized their responsibility to speak on behalf of the people during critical times like these.
“When society raises up and gives us a platform, the least we can do in return is to amplify their voices on issues that affect them,” part of his post read.
The singer-turned-politician also saluted personalities like KFM’s Faiza Salima, comedian Sammy Okanya, Maulana, activist Beewol, and all other peaceful demonstrators who ended up being arrested and detained for exercising their civic duty.
In his statement on Friday, Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke revealed that 104 individuals had been arrested by the force between July 22 and 25 during significant police interventions.
Kyagulanyi later expressed his frustration over the continued detention of Sammy Okanya at CPS, well beyond the mandatory 48 hours.
“Last evening, our human rights team was finally able to access him briefly, and he is of strong spirit. Lawyers have been denied access to him, and he is still in much pain following the violence meted out on him,” highlighted Kyagulanyi.
Kyagulanyi called upon all the intimidated and those who may have lost hope to soldier on, noting that driven by the certainty of victory, “We Shall Overcome.”
Kyagulanyi’s message joins those of several opposition politicians, including Hon. Kizza Besigye, Mugisha Muntu, and Winnie Kiiza, who also call upon the government to turn their force and brutality towards the corrupt, not those who demonstrate and speak out against them.