Ugandan dissidents in London Demand Accountability, Justice
By James Kabengwa
LONDON — Chants for justice echoed through central London on Friday as hundreds of Ugandan diaspora members and allies staged a five-hour protest demanding an end to state-sponsored violence and abductions in their homeland.
Organized amid growing global scrutiny, the demonstration outside key UK government buildings called for Britain to halt financial support for President Yoweri Museveni’s administration, accused of weaponizing public funds to target dissenters.
The protest, spanning from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., highlighted escalating human rights violations in Uganda, including the abduction of opposition figures, journalists, and activists by masked security operatives locally dubbed “jay guys.”
Demonstrators condemned the continued arrests of supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Uganda’s leading opposition party, whose leader, Bobi Wine born Robert Kyagulanyi-a former pop star, has faced repeated state persecution.
Placards reading “UK Stop Funding Museveni’s Killings” and “ICC Prosecute Museveni Now” underscored demands for international accountability, with calls to investigate the President, his son Muhoozi Kainerugaba-the chief of defense forces for alleged crimes against humanity.
The event drew somber reactions from British passersby, many of whom paused to read signs and engage protesters.
“I had no idea this was happening—it’s horrifying,” said Margaret Hayes, a London teacher.
The emotional resonance deepened when Senabulya, a Ugandan-born officer serving in the Metropolitan Police, visited the demonstration.
“As someone who loves both Uganda and Britain, it’s devastating to see my birth country crumbling under brutality,” he told the crowd, urging the UK to “rethink its alliances.”
Protesters linked Museveni’s 38-year rule to a surge in violence, citing a 2023 Human Rights Watch report documenting hundreds of forced disappearances and many executions.
The UK, which provides Uganda nearly £100 million annually in aid and security funding, faces mounting pressure to condition support on human rights reforms.
“Every pound sent to Museveni bankrolls oppression,” argued organizer Rebecca Nakato, noting that redirected funds could bolster Uganda’s crumbling public services instead.
While the International Criminal Court (ICC) has yet to open formal investigations, organizers vowed to escalate lobbying efforts.
“Silence is complicity,” said protester Richard Kizza Lugobwa, clutching a photo of his missing friend. “We won’t stop until the world listens.”
As the sun set, the crowd dispersed, but resolve lingered. For Mr. Lugobwa and many others, the fight transcends borders:
“Our voices will haunt those stealing Uganda’s future—until justice prevails.”he vowed.
Uganda is witnessing an escalation of abductions since the Kawempe North by-elections campaigns started a last week.
Ugandfans based in the UK demanded the arrest and prosecution of the JAT operatives who continue to terrorize Ugandans on camera. They also called for immediate intervention of world leaders especially the UK prime minister to stop funding General Museveni’s government and also intervene to save the situation.
