PLU Members March to Parliament in Anti-Corruption Protest; CDF Threatens to Arrest MPs

On January 17, 2025, members of the People's League of Uganda (PLU) organized a march to Parliament in Kampala to protest against alleged widespread corruption among legislators. 

The demonstration was led by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and chairman of the PLU. 

In a series of statements on social media, General Muhoozi referred to the parliamentarians as "clowns and corrupt," expressing his refusal to appear before a parliamentary committee and instead threatening to arrest the implicated MPs. 

The protest was met with a heavy police presence, and authorities detained at least 45 participants. The demonstrators were charged with the offense of "common nuisance," a colonial-era law that has been criticized for its use in suppressing peaceful protests. 

This event follows a series of corruption investigations involving members of Parliament. In June 2024, the Police Criminal Investigation Department summoned two legislators, including the PLU's disciplinary head, over allegations of theft and intentions to defraud a cooperative society. 

General Muhoozi's recent actions and statements have intensified debates about the role of the military in Uganda's political affairs and the balance of power between the armed forces and the government. Critics argue that such military involvement undermines democratic institutions, while supporters claim it is necessary to address entrenched corruption.

As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the Ugandan government will respond to these internal challenges and the growing public outcry against corruption.