The ongoing protests in Kenya against the Finance Bill 2024 have sparked intense debate in Uganda, with many wondering if such demonstrations could happen in their own country. The protests in Kenya have resulted in a mix of surprise and admiration from Ugandans, who took to social media to express their opinions.

Wanjiru, a Kikuyu from Kenya, took to social media X, saying that it was useful for the protests.

“Who said Kikuyu girls’ foreheads are useless? Ona sasa, who doesn’t need a placard. # RejectFinanceBill2024,” she tweeted.

In response,  a one Ugandan, Patience Niwahereza, responded, saying that she now knows how to participate in protests.

“Dear Lord, I now know how to contribute to any protest in +256,” Niwahereza tweeted.

Uganda has a history of suppressing protests and dissent, and the police have been accused of using excessive force against demonstrators. In contrast, Kenya has a history of vibrant protests and demonstrations, which have often led to changes in government policy.

However, this time around, the government seems to be taking a stand on the Financial Bill 2024. According to a source in Kenya, protesters reached an extreme extent of going to parliament, but fortunately, no senator was harmed as they were evacuated by security personnel. The source, however, said that they took the ceremonial mace from the old parliamentary chambers, and the actual mace is safe.

The implications of the Kenyan protests in Uganda are significant, as they highlight the differences in how the two countries approach dissent and protest. While Kenya has allowed protests to take place, albeit with some violence, Uganda has taken a more hardline approach. Conversely, Kenyan security has swung into action and arrested the rioters. Thus, some activists and politicians are coming out to condemn the arrests and abductions.

The protests in Kenya have also had economic implications for Uganda, as trade between the two countries has been affected. Uganda is Kenya’s largest trade partner, and any disruption in trade between the two countries has significant economic implications for Uganda since none of their trade commodities can cross the border.

Over the past week, there has been escalating agitation among the Generation Z youths, initially against the Finance Bill 2024, which increases the cost of living in Kenya. However, the protests have extended to other grievances, such as unemployment, voiced by young Kenyans online.