Muslim outdoor groups across the UK are claiming their place in the countryside
At 10am on a sweltering Sunday in June, I met up with 40 people at Virginia Water railway station. Our mission: to complete a nine-mile hike through picturesque Surrey villages and Windsor Great Park, with Windsor Castle our final destination.

Brought together by the Leeds-based walking group Somali Hikers, some people came on their own while others brought a friend or two. A few had coordinated with one another via WhatsApp and shared lifts from London, Luton and the Midlands. When the last participants arrived, group leader Mukhtar Adam briefed us on the route, what to expect on our journey and the safety precautions we needed to take. A few nervous chuckles notwithstanding, everyone seemed ready for whatever the next five or six hours had in store.

Setting off, I couldn’t help but notice that many of the walkers were women. Speaking to several of them, I learned that some had previous hiking experience, but the majority were first-timers. What they all shared was a hunger for a new challenge and a desire to make new friends.

Adam launched Somali Hikers in August 2023, taking 17 people to the White Cliffs of Dover. In less than a year, word of the organisation has spread and waiting lists for excursions have grown. Now, Adam organises two trips a month, leading treks through the Peak District, across the Shropshire Hills and along the Seven Sisters Cliffs in Sussex. In August, he will take a group to Mount Snowdon in north Wales.

Adam’s love of hiking began while he was at university in Leeds, with national parks including the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the Peak District on his doorstep. When he later moved to London, he continued to hike regularly but found it difficult to fit in with most organised groups.
“I used to hike with groups made up of predominantly white people,” said Adam. “But it’s not the same as hiking with your own people. The network, the social connections and the banter are all completely different. There’s also the religious aspect as well — those other groups don’t accommodate prayer times.”

Adam took part in a couple of hikes with another Muslim group, but found he was one of the few Black participants. Since starting Somali Hikers, he has discovered that other people had similar problems. As we continued along our route, I saw very few other Black people and barely any visible Muslims.

Research carried out by the Campaign to Protect Rural England in 2021 found that ethnic minorities in the UK tend to have far less access to green space and spend less time in the countryside than their white peers. A 2020 report by the Ramblers walking charity also found that only 1% of visitors to national parks are from BAME backgrounds.

Somali Hikers has quickly developed into a close-knit community, but Adam is keen to make getting out in nature accessible for anyone who wants to join. After every excursion, his wife posts photographs and videos on Instagram and TikTok, which often lead to inquiries from friends and followers. “A lot of UK Somalis have grown up in inner cities, like London and Birmingham, and have never really been to the English countryside,” Adam said. “A lot of young Somali professionals don’t have that escape from the hustle and bustle of life, which is what a lot of our participants are yearning for. They also want to gain the health benefits and networking opportunities from hiking as well. It’s not just a physical challenge, but also a social event too.”

The social benefit of the group was clear as we made our way through Windsor Great Park. People who arrived with friends had separated and formed new bonds with other hikers.

Walking through a stretch of sky-high trees, heading toward the Obelisk pond near the town of Egham, many of us marvelled at the scenery. Hodan Jama, 32, a special educational needs teacher from London, told me it reminded her of her childhood in Sweden. “My backyard was very much like this — green, beautiful nature and animals,” she said. “Now, I have to go and find a park. But you don’t always get the tranquillity and serenity that you can get when being outdoors like this.”

For Saudi Ali, 34, a teacher and mother of two from Hillingdon, west London, finding the time to get out and walk has often proved difficult. Then she discovered Somali Hikers on Instagram.

“I grew up in west London and there just aren’t as many opportunities to be active,” she said. “This is a great way for me to get out, interact with my community and maybe even make new friends. I’d definitely consider doing something like this with my children.”

Somali Hikers is just one of a growing number of organisations focused on opening up the great outdoors for UK Muslims, including The Wanderlust Women and Muslim Hikers.

Bea Young, 28, from Cardiff, launched Muslimah Outdoors in 2022, three months after she converted to Islam. Drawing on her longstanding love of walking and nature, she aims to create more opportunities for Muslim women to get together that are not based around religious gatherings and eating out. To make the group as accessible as possible, Young tries to keep the activities local and overheads low. Participants just contribute to petrol costs to get to hiking destinations and, for group retreats, they pay only for accommodation. In two years, Muslimah Outdoors’ membership has grown from 10 women to 250.

“I didn’t understand why we couldn’t have something local, affordable and completely accessible to the women based here,” Young told me. “Now, we’ve made it clear that, as Muslim women, we belong out on the hills and mountains just like everyone else.”

Back in Surrey, as we neared the end of our 20,000-step journey, the turrets of Windsor Castle loomed into view. Reaching the Long Walk, which leads to the imposing building, we took a break to pray and catch our breath. Aside from a few moans about sore feet and a couple of walkers needing blister plasters, there was a genuine feeling of pride that we had all managed to push through the heat and make it to our destination.

As we recovered in a nearby coffee shop, I heard people who started the day as strangers arranging to share lifts back to the station and helping each other figure out the best routes home. Adam told me that, one day before, the group had hosted an unexpected family reunion. A set of cousins who had not seen each other in five years all signed up to walk the same route as we had, none aware that the others would be there.

“I love what we’ve created here,” Adam said. “There’s a lot of camaraderie, a consistent theme where a lot of people initially come for just the hiking, but they stay for the energy, the community and the friendships. It’s a beautiful thing to see.” To make the group as accessible as possible, Young tries to keep the activities local and overheads low. Participants just contribute to petrol costs to get to hiking destinations and, for group retreats, they pay only for accommodation. In two years, Muslimah Outdoors’ membership has grown from 10 women to 250.

“I didn’t understand why we couldn’t have something local, affordable and completely accessible to the women based here,” Young told me. “Now, we’ve made it clear that, as Muslim women, we belong out on the hills and mountains just like everyone else.”

Back in Surrey, as we neared the end of our 20,000-step journey, the turrets of Windsor Castle loomed into view. Reaching the Long Walk, which leads to the imposing building, we took a break to pray and catch our breath. Aside from a few moans about sore feet and a couple of walkers needing blister plasters, there was a genuine feeling of pride that we had all managed to push through the heat and make it to our destination.

As we recovered in a nearby coffee shop, I heard people who started the day as strangers arranging to share lifts back to the station and helping each other figure out the best routes home. Adam told me that, one day before, the group had hosted an unexpected family reunion. A set of cousins who had not seen each other in five years all signed up to walk the same route as we had, none aware that the others would be there.

“I love what we’ve created here,” Adam said. “There’s a lot of camaraderie, a consistent theme where a lot of people initially come for just the hiking, but they stay for the energy, the community and the friendships. It’s a beautiful thing to see.”

Analyzing the Rare Choices of American Leaders to Step Down Voluntarily

The announcement from President Joe Biden that he would not seek reelection in 2024 has added him to a rare list of American leaders who chose to step aside. This decision, made just weeks before the Democratic National Convention, comes amidst growing concerns over his age and performance. Let’s delve into the history of other presidents who made similar choices and the reasons behind their decisions.

James K. Polk, inaugurated in 1845, entered the presidency with a clear set of goals, such as the annexation of Texas and acquiring the Oregon Territory. Back then, pledging to serve only one term was seen as a mark of personal humility. Polk, having achieved his objectives, honored his commitment and did not run for reelection in 1848.

James Buchanan, elected in 1856, also pledged to serve only one term. By the end of his presidency, the nation was deeply divided over slavery, a situation Buchanan failed to manage effectively. His unpopularity and the fractured state of the Democratic Party likely influenced his decision not to run again in 1860.

Rutherford B. Hayes, after a controversial election in 1876, also pledged to serve a single term. Disputed electoral votes and claims of fraud marred his victory. True to his word, he did not seek reelection in 1880, partly due to the lingering legitimacy issues from his initial election.

Calvin Coolidge took office in 1923 after Warren G. Harding’s death and won the 1924 election. Despite his popularity and a booming economy, Coolidge declared in 1927, “I do not choose to run for president in 1928,” expressing his disinterest in power and desire to leave public life.

Harry S. Truman, having completed nearly two full terms, decided not to run for reelection in 1952. His presidency faced low approval ratings due to the Korean War and corruption scandals. Truman chose to step aside, giving the Democratic Party a chance to nominate a new candidate.

In 1968, amidst the Vietnam War and internal party challenges, Lyndon B. Johnson announced he would not seek reelection. Despite winning a full term in 1964 after John F. Kennedy’s assassination, Johnson’s declining approval and anti-war sentiment pushed him to withdraw from the race.

Joe Biden’s decision in 2024 mirrors these historical precedents. Initially positioning himself as a “transitional candidate,” Biden sought to address multiple national challenges. Running unopposed in Democratic primaries, he eventually bowed to concerns about his age and performance. By stepping aside and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, Biden joined a unique group of presidents who chose to forgo a second term.

While running for reelection has become the norm in modern politics, these historical instances show that stepping down can sometimes be seen as a responsible move, allowing new leadership to emerge. Presidents who opted not to run again often did so due to personal commitments, political challenges, or to pave the way for their party’s future success. Biden’s choice, though extraordinary in today’s context, aligns with a tradition of prioritizing the nation’s needs over personal ambition.

Kimberly Cheatle Steps Down After Unprecedented Security Breach at Trump Rally Sparks Outrage and Investigations

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle announced her resignation following the shocking assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally. This incident has triggered a fierce outcry over the agency’s glaring security lapses, leading to an unprecedented scrutiny of its ability to fulfill its core mission.

Cheatle, who took the helm in August 2022, faced mounting pressure to step down as investigations revealed how the assailant, Thomas Matthew Crooks, managed to get dangerously close to Trump. In a candid email to her staff, Cheatle admitted, “I take full responsibility for the security lapse,” and expressed the heavy heart with which she decided to resign.

The fallout from the July 13 debacle is unlikely to die down soon, with critical events such as the Democratic National Convention and the presidential campaign season looming. Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have vowed to continue their probes, with President Joe Biden himself calling for an independent and bipartisan investigation to ensure accountability.

“The scrutiny over the last week has been intense and will continue as our operational tempo increases,” Cheatle wrote, acknowledging the relentless pressure on the agency.

Cheatle’s resignation came just a day after a grueling congressional hearing where she was lambasted by both sides of the aisle for the security failures. She branded the assassination attempt as the Secret Service’s “most significant operational failure” in decades, taking full responsibility yet frustrating lawmakers by dodging specific inquiries about the incident.

Despite her defiant stance at the hearing, claiming she was still the “right person” to lead the agency, her position became untenable. When Republican Rep. Nancy Mace suggested she start drafting her resignation letter, Cheatle curtly replied, “No, thank you.”

The chilling details of the incident revealed Crooks managed to get within 135 meters of the stage before opening fire, despite warnings about a suspicious person and the roof’s vulnerability. Cheatle admitted to Congress that the Secret Service had received multiple alerts about Crooks but failed to act decisively, a damning revelation that only fueled the outrage.

A bloodied Trump was swiftly whisked offstage by Secret Service agents as snipers neutralized the shooter. The former president later revealed the bullet had pierced the upper part of his right ear, with the attack also resulting in one fatality and two critical injuries among the rallygoers.

Cheatle, who had a storied 27-year career in the Secret Service before a brief stint at PepsiCo, was appointed by Biden in 2022 amid controversies surrounding the agency, including missing texts from the January 6 Capitol riot. Her tenure saw her becoming the first woman to head the protective operations division and later the second female director of the Secret Service.

Despite Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas’s initial support, bipartisan calls for Cheatle’s resignation became deafening. Congressional committees swiftly moved to investigate, with subpoenas issued and top leaders from both parties demanding her departure. Biden’s order for an independent review and the Secret Service’s own inspector general probe underscore the gravity of the situation.

In a stark interview with ABC News days after the shooting, Cheatle described the incident as “unacceptable,” reiterating that the ultimate responsibility lay with her. Yet, the mounting evidence of systemic failures made her position increasingly indefensible.

As the dust settles, the resignation of Kimberly Cheatle marks a critical juncture for the Secret Service. The agency now faces an uphill battle to restore its reputation and reassure the public of its capability to protect national leaders in these perilous times. The coming weeks promise more revelations and intense scrutiny as investigations delve deeper into the failures that allowed an assassination attempt on a former president to come so perilously close to success.

VP Kamala Harris Poised to Lead Democrats in 2024 Election After Biden’s Shocking Withdrawal

Vice President Kamala Harris has unofficially secured enough support to become the Democratic Party’s candidate in the upcoming November presidential election. This pivotal development follows President Joe Biden’s unexpected withdrawal from the race, an announcement that has further roiled U.S. political waters at a crucial juncture in the Gaza conflict.

The Associated Press revealed that Harris now commands the backing of over 2,200 delegates, easily surpassing the 1,976 required to clinch the nomination. This tally, derived from public statements by state parties and delegate interviews, underscores Harris’s growing momentum within the Democratic ranks.

As Biden’s exit reverberated through political circles, Democratic leaders swiftly moved to finalize the nomination process. Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison confirmed that the party will officially choose its nominee by August 7, ahead of the August 19-22 Democratic National Convention.

Harris, who has been a steadfast ally to Biden, expressed her readiness to take on the mantle. “I look forward to formally accepting the nomination soon,” she stated on Monday. This declaration comes on the heels of a remarkable fundraising surge, with Harris amassing over $80 million shortly after Biden’s announcement.

Support for Harris has coalesced rapidly, with numerous Democratic officials and influential figures endorsing her candidacy. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a significant force within the party, publicly threw her weight behind Harris, praising her leadership and vision for America’s future.

“Today, it is with immense pride and limitless optimism for our country’s future that I endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for president of the United States,” Pelosi declared, reflecting a broader consensus among Democratic stalwarts.

Several prominent Democratic governors have also rallied around Harris, including J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, and Gavin Newsom of California. Speculation is rife about potential vice-presidential picks from this cohort, though Harris has yet to comment on her preferences.

Harris’s political journey, from a California senator to the vice-presidential nominee in 2020, has been marked by resilience and ambition. Despite facing a challenging reelection campaign alongside Biden, she now stands as the party’s presumptive leader in the face-off against former President Donald Trump.

The Trump campaign has wasted no time in targeting Harris, with a provocative ad accusing her of concealing Biden’s alleged mental decline. “Kamala was in on it,” the ad asserts, suggesting she knowingly supported Biden despite his perceived weaknesses. Harris, however, remains undeterred, confidently championing her record and contrasting it sharply with Trump’s controversial tenure.

“Donald Trump wants to take our country backwards to a time before many of our fellow Americans had full freedoms and rights. But we believe in a brighter future that makes room for all Americans,” Harris proclaimed at a campaign event, signaling her readiness for the intense battle ahead.

Trump, having accepted the Republican nomination at a recent convention, is set to revive his combative campaign style. As the political landscape shifts dramatically, Harris’s emergence as the Democratic candidate heralds a fiercely contested election, with profound implications for the future of U.S.-Israel relations and global diplomacy.

The stakes could not be higher as Harris prepares to solidify her nomination, navigate complex international issues, and confront a relentless opponent in Donald Trump. The upcoming months promise a riveting and high-stakes political saga, capturing the attention of a nation on the brink of profound change.

Biden’s Withdrawal Adds Uncertainty to US-Israel Relations at a Pivotal Moment

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s arrival in Washington on Monday night coincided with a bombshell announcement from President Joe Biden: he’s stepping out of the 2024 presidential race. This unexpected turn of events injects a fresh dose of uncertainty into the already tense US-Israel relationship, particularly as the Gaza conflict rages on without a cease-fire in sight.

Netanyahu’s visit, announced back in June, raised eyebrows given the ongoing violence. But now, with American politics in flux, the Israeli leader’s mission is clear: lay the groundwork for strong ties with the next US administration, whoever leads it.

A senior US official confirmed that Biden and Netanyahu are slated to meet at the White House on Thursday. “I will seek to anchor the bipartisan support that is so important for Israel,” Netanyahu stated as he left Israel, underscoring his intent to maintain robust ties regardless of the upcoming presidential outcome.

Though Netanyahu publicly maintains a stance of neutrality between the likely candidates—Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump—insiders suggest his true preference is clear. Jonathan Rynhold, head of Political Studies at Israel’s Bar-Ilan University, notes, “Republicans generally align more with Israel’s security agenda and show greater leniency towards its right-wing policies.”

Trump’s administration set a high bar with its pro-Israel moves: the groundbreaking Abraham Accords, relocating the US Embassy to Jerusalem, and recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Netanyahu is reportedly eager to meet with Trump to quash rumors of tension following Netanyahu’s congratulations to Biden in 2020, which soured their relationship. Trump’s blunt warning to Israel to “get back to peace and stop killing people” hasn’t helped matters.

Meanwhile, Vice President Harris, set to meet Netanyahu separately from Biden, has emphasized her commitment to Israel’s security. Her Jewish connections—her husband, Doug Emhoff, is Jewish—have been instrumental in combating antisemitism. Yet, Harris will skip Netanyahu’s congressional speech, heading instead to Indianapolis to address a historically Black sorority, a move likely influenced by progressive and Muslim voters’ discontent over Gaza.

Despite Harris’ expected alignment with Biden’s Middle East policies, she may adopt a tougher rhetoric on Israeli settlements and show greater empathy towards Palestinian issues. Aaron David Miller of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace predicts her administration would remain “mainstream” in supporting US-Israel relations but with sharper critiques of certain Israeli actions.

Domestically, Netanyahu is navigating a critical period as the Israeli Knesset nears recess. He aims to advance his political agenda, potentially leveraging a cease-fire deal. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hinted at a possible agreement, though analysts are skeptical it will last beyond an initial six-week pause.

In essence, Netanyahu’s DC visit is a high-stakes maneuver amid a rapidly changing political landscape. As he seeks to cement bipartisan support and prepare for potential shifts in US leadership, the outcomes of his discussions in Washington could have far-reaching implications for Israel and the broader Middle East.

A Surge of Democratic Support Elevates Harris to the Forefront of the Battle Against Trump

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, President Joe Biden has announced his withdrawal from the 2024 reelection campaign, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place against former President Donald Trump. This decision, made public via social media, instantly propelled Harris into the forefront of the Democratic Party’s efforts to retain the White House.

Biden, who has been grappling with declining poll numbers and health issues, chose to bow out while recuperating from a third bout with COVID-19 at his Rehoboth Beach vacation home. His endorsement of Harris marks a historic moment, as she could become the first Black woman and South Asian major party presidential nominee in U.S. history.

Harris, swiftly capitalizing on Biden’s support, declared her candidacy, promising to unite the Democratic Party and the nation to defeat Trump. “Together, we will fight. And together, we will win,” she asserted. Her statement echoed through a wave of endorsements from Democratic lawmakers, governors, and financial donors, signaling a unified front behind her campaign.

ActBlue, the leading Democratic fundraising platform, reported a staggering $46.7 million in small-dollar donations for Harris within hours of Biden’s announcement. This surge stands in stark contrast to the waning support Biden had been experiencing, especially after his lackluster performance in a late June debate against Trump.

Biden’s exit was met with a mix of commendations and controversy. Democratic officials praised his decision as a selfless act of service. “Biden is doing what he has done throughout his life of service: putting the American people and our country above everything else,” Harris noted. However, Trump wasted no time in attacking both Biden and Harris, declaring Biden unfit for office and asserting that Harris would be easier to defeat.

The Republican response was predictably aggressive. House Speaker Mike Johnson called for Biden’s immediate resignation, arguing that if Biden is unfit for another term, he is unfit to serve out his current one. Such a move would thrust Harris into the presidency, setting a dramatic stage for the November election.

As the Democratic Party rallies behind Harris, other potential contenders have emerged, including Governors Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, and Gavin Newsom of California. Despite this, early endorsements from influential figures like former Presidents Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, and a surge in donations suggest Harris is the frontrunner.

The upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago presents a pivotal moment for the party. Delegates could either solidify Harris’s candidacy through a virtual vote or opt for an “open” convention, reminiscent of the tumultuous 1968 Democratic Convention. This scenario could introduce multiple candidates into the fray, potentially fracturing party unity at a crucial time.

As the nation watches this political drama unfold, Harris’s campaign gears up for an intense 107-day sprint to Election Day. Biden, whose term ends in January, has pledged to fulfill his presidential duties while supporting Harris’s bid. The White House has indicated that Biden will address the nation later this week to elaborate on his decision and the future of the Democratic Party.

In a race fraught with high stakes and historical significance, Kamala Harris stands at a crossroads, backed by a wave of support and facing the formidable challenge of uniting her party and the nation against a determined Trump. The path ahead is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the 2024 election is shaping up to be one of the most consequential in American history.

Following a Poor Debate Performance, President Joe Biden Ends His Bid for Re-election, Shaking Up the Democratic Nomination Process

President Joe Biden has dropped out of the 2024 presidential race after a disastrous debate performance. This unprecedented move leaves the Democratic Party scrambling for a new nominee just months before the election.

President Joe Biden has announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race following a calamitous debate with former President Donald Trump. The debate, held on June 27, amplified concerns about Biden’s age and cognitive abilities, leading to mounting pressure from within his party to step aside. This decision comes just four months before the election, marking an extraordinary turn of events in American political history.

Biden’s debate performance was marred by frequent lapses, nonsensical responses, and a failure to effectively counter Trump’s assertions. This performance exacerbated long-standing concerns about his fitness to serve another term. At 81, Biden has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding his age, with many voters expressing doubts about his capacity to endure the rigors of the presidency for another four years.

Biden’s withdrawal has created an urgent need for the Democratic Party to reorganize its nomination process. Vice President Kamala Harris, seen as the immediate frontrunner, has not yet received Biden’s explicit endorsement. This lack of endorsement suggests potential competition and further turmoil within the party as it prepares for its convention in Chicago from August 19-22.

In a letter posted on his X account, Biden stated, “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.” The White House confirmed the authenticity of the letter, and Biden is expected to address the nation later this week to provide further details about his decision.

The announcement has sent shockwaves through both political parties. Democrats now face the challenge of quickly coalescing around a new candidate who can unify the party and present a viable challenge to Trump. On the Republican side, Trump must pivot to focusing on a new opponent after having tailored his campaign strategy to counter Biden.

Biden’s decision to step down so close to the election is unprecedented in modern American politics. The nearest parallel is President Lyndon Johnson’s decision in March 1968 not to seek re-election amidst the Vietnam War. However, Biden’s situation is distinct in its proximity to the election and the nature of the concerns—centered on his age and cognitive health—leading to his withdrawal.

With Biden’s exit, the Democratic Party faces the formidable task of managing a rapidly evolving nomination process. Harris, as the natural successor, must navigate potential challenges from other party members seeking the nomination. The upcoming Democratic National Convention will be a critical juncture for the party to demonstrate unity and resilience in the face of this unexpected development.

Biden’s departure underscores the complex interplay of age, health, and leadership in contemporary politics, highlighting the critical importance of voter confidence in a candidate’s ability to perform the duties of the presidency. As the election approaches, the focus now shifts to the new dynamics within the Democratic Party and the strategies employed by both parties in this consequential electoral cycle.

Tensions Mount as Museveni Threatens Crackdown on Defiant Protesters Amid Allegations of Foreign Interference

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has issued a stark warning to anti-corruption protesters planning a banned march on Tuesday, asserting that they are “playing with fire.” In a televised address late Saturday, Museveni, who has maintained an iron grip on the East African nation since 1986, cautioned against the demonstration, which he claimed included “elements working for foreign interests.”

Earlier, Ugandan police had explicitly informed organizers that the planned protest in the capital, Kampala, would not be permitted. Authorities cited intelligence suggesting that some participants intended to exploit the demonstration to incite chaos. “Demonstrations can only be allowed under our mandate as long as they are not causing public disorder and disrupting lives of lawful citizens,” said Frank Mwesigwa, the police operations director.

Despite these warnings, the protest organizers remain defiant. Louez Aloikin Opolose, one of the main protest leaders, asserted that they would proceed with their plans. “We don’t need police permission to carry out a peaceful demonstration,” Opolose stated. “It is our constitutional right.”

The demonstrators aim to march past parliament, which they accuse of tolerating and perpetuating corruption. Protester Shamim Nambasa emphasized their resolve: “Our starting point in the fight against corruption is parliament … and the demonstration is on irrespective of what police is saying.”

Uganda’s corruption levels are notoriously high. Transparency International ranks the country at 141 out of 180 on its corruption perceptions index, where the least corrupt countries rank highest. The protesters are motivated by this entrenched corruption and have been closely following the tumultuous anti-government protests in neighboring Kenya. The Kenyan demonstrations, initially sparked by controversial tax hikes, have broadened into a wider campaign against government corruption and alleged police brutality. Since June 18, these protests have led to at least 50 deaths and 413 injuries, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.

Museveni’s claims of foreign involvement in the Ugandan protests add a provocative twist to the situation, though he provided no specific details to substantiate his allegations. This rhetoric mirrors similar accusations often levied by long-standing regimes facing internal dissent, aiming to discredit opposition by suggesting external manipulation.

The president’s fiery warning and the police’s firm stance against the march highlight the high stakes and potential volatility surrounding Tuesday’s planned protest. The government’s determination to stifle dissent is clear, but the protesters’ resolve suggests a brewing confrontation. As Uganda braces for the demonstration, the echoes of Kenya’s unrest loom large, underscoring the regional implications of such movements against corruption and governance.

The world watches as Uganda’s anti-corruption protesters challenge the might of a long-entrenched regime. With Museveni’s ominous warnings and the defiance of the protest organizers, the stage is set for a potentially explosive clash. The outcome of this standoff could have far-reaching consequences, not just for Uganda, but for the broader struggle against corruption and authoritarianism in Africa.