By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
KAMPALA
The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has called on President Museveni and his government to take concrete actions against corruption, rather than just delivering “cosmetic speeches” on the issue.
“The increased corruption cases in this country needs to be addressed with utmost urgency if we are to rescue the nation from the vice,” said Sharon Oyat Arach, UPC spokesperson.
This comes after Tuesday’s protests by the March to Parliament movement, which resulted in the arrest of over 50 individuals, including university students, journalists, and anti-corruption activists.
UPC condemned the excessive force used by security personnel during the arrests, stating that there are lawful ways to arrest citizens without resorting to manhandling and ruthless tactics.
“We condemn the manner in which these young people were arrested. There are lawful and accepted ways of arresting citizens as opposed to manhandling and ruthless arrests as witnessed yesterday,” Arach condemned.
The party demanded the unconditional release of those arrested and expressed support for anti-corruption protests in Uganda.
“UPC also demands the unconditional release of all those arrested for protesting against corruption and we emphasize that all those energies the security agencies used in the arrest should diverted to fighting corruption and not those who against it,” the UPC spokesperson said.
The party also challenged the government, particularly the office of the Inspector General of Government (IGG), and the parliament to take a stronger stance against corruption by investigating, arresting, and convicting individuals implicated in corruption scandals. They called for the suspension of those implicated in corruption pending investigations, to demonstrate the government’s commitment to fighting the vice.
The March to Parliament movement had been demanding the resignation of Speaker Anitah Among, members of parliament, and commissioners of parliamentary implicated in alleged corruption scandals, among other demands. The UPC’s statement adds to the growing chorus of voices demanding action on corruption in Uganda.
