John Mulimba, Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs, has advised Ugandans not to imitate the recent protests in Kenya that pressured President William Ruto’s government to reconsider new tax policies.
“Please, don’t attempt this in Uganda. Inform Ugandans not to follow what they saw in Nairobi,” Mulimba stated.
During the Kenyan protests, Uganda House, a commercial property on Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi’s Central Business District, was vandalized and set on fire. Mulimba highlighted that the damage inflicted on the building was significant. The six-story structure, recently renovated and set to reopen on June 28, now faces delays due to the extensive damage.
“After we assess the full extent of the damage, we will initiate renovation plans and announce a new reopening date,” Mulimba added. He also mentioned ongoing discussions with Kenya regarding various issues, including the damage to Uganda House, economic concerns, and the movement of people between the two nations.
Mulimba reassured that the incident would not affect the operations of the Ugandan Embassy in Kenya. “Our embassy continues to function as usual since the burnt building is not where the embassy is located. I’ve spoken with our officials there, and everything is proceeding smoothly,” he said. While the fire caused considerable property damage, no casualties or serious injuries were reported.
Recently, the sighting of a police riot truck in Kenya led to speculation among Kenyans that Uganda was assisting the Kenyan government in quelling the protests. This speculation suggested that Uganda House was targeted by protesters for this reason. However, the Uganda Police have denied these claims.
Police spokesperson Fred Enanga clarified that a Uganda police truck seen in video footage amidst protesters in Nakuru was actually transporting a Uganda police fire truck back to Uganda for repairs. A government source told the Nile Post on Wednesday that there was speculation about the building being targeted but emphasized that investigations are ongoing.
Yusuf Nsibambi, MP for Mawokota South, acknowledged that his business was affected by the fire at Uganda House but expressed support for the Kenyan youths’ fight against exploitation and oppression. Nsibambi, the Whip for the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in Parliament, warned that similar protests could happen in Uganda if MPs continue to ignore the public’s wishes by prioritizing personal enrichment over improving Ugandans’ quality of life. “The situation in Kenya is unfortunate. The youth are taking action against exploitation and oppression, similar to what we have experienced in Parliament,” he said during a media briefing at Parliament. Nsibambi revealed that his forex bureau in Uganda House, Link Forex Bureau, was looted and destroyed but praised the youth for standing up against oppression.
Kayadondo East MP, Nkunyingi Muwada, urged Kenyans to disregard Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ statement implicating protesters in the Uganda House fire, stating that Uganda has no authority to draw conclusions before Kenyan authorities conduct their investigation. Muwada, who also serves as Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, criticized the Ugandan government’s premature statement, warning that it could endanger the lives of Ugandans living and working in Kenya.
Kenya is currently experiencing nationwide protests against proposed tax hikes, leading to a “total shutdown” of the country on Tuesday. The protests turned violent as police used tear gas and live ammunition on demonstrators. Last week, the Kenyan government canceled some tax increases, including a proposed 16% VAT on bread and taxes on motor vehicles, vegetable oil, and mobile money transfers. However, these concessions have not quelled the protests amid the rising cost of living.
President Ruto recently decided not to sign the Finance Bill 2024 into law, following Tuesday’s deadly protests where demonstrators breached Parliament premises for the first time in Kenya’s history.
“Following the passage of the Bill, there was widespread dissatisfaction, resulting in the loss of life, destruction of property, and desecration of constitutional institutions. I extend condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones,” Ruto stated in a televised address. “Reflecting on the ongoing discussions about the Finance Bill 2024, I will decline to assent to the Bill,” he concluded. President Ruto’s decision is seen as an attempt to de-escalate the already heightened tensions following Tuesday’s countrywide demonstrations.
