“Museveni has been speaking about democracy, but where is that democracy he speaks of if he can't tolerate those who criticise his government? What is happening in villages undermines the same democracy he talks about,” Ssenyonyi said.
The competition aims to encourage every Ugandan to confidently sing the National Anthem while promoting the use of Kiswahili and increasing appreciation of the East African Community anthem as Uganda advances regional integration.
“We have been complaining about how bad those fronted by other parties are. Today, we have decided to front our own, the holy one, to represent the opposition in the forthcoming speakership race. I implore all opposition members of Parliament to rally behind our candidate,” Ssenyonyi said.
Kizza Besigye, a prominent Ugandan opposition leader and former presidential candidate, was arrested in November 2024 and subsequently faced charges in both military and civilian courts. He remains in detention on charges relating to treason and the alleged planning of illegal acts to overthrow the government.
“Having ensured that NUP didn't get support from the National Consolidated Fund, they went back to the drawing board to come up with the evil scheme in the name of the Protection of Sovereignty Bill. We want to call upon the people of Uganda to take interest in this bill and deny it,” Katana said.
The March to Parliament, which is scheduled to take place on July 23, 2024, has no known leader as of now, as it has been classified as a partyless and leaderless campaign where concerned citizens are meant to march to parliament in a demonstration against corruption.
The offices were closed off, and the place was surrounded by both military police and Uganda Police, who did not accept anyone to enter or exit the party premises.