Uganda’s opposition parties accused the government on Tuesday of detaining homeless individuals and demolishing numerous roadside kiosks as part of a cleanup effort ahead of two global summits scheduled for this month.
The East African nation is presently hosting the Non-Aligned Movement summit, where heads of state are set to convene on Friday, followed by a meeting of the influential G77+China group, representing 134 developing countries.
“All in the name of preparing for the summits, so many lives have been disrupted and some have been completely destroyed as (the) government tried to put up a fake image,” opposition leader Bobi Wine said.
Wine, also known as Robert Kyagulanyi, revealed that over 3,000 business premises in Makindye Division, the neighborhood hosting the summits, had been demolished. He highlighted the detention of homeless individuals and the adverse impact on traffic flow, describing the situation as a nightmare for citizens.
John Kikonyogo, spokesman for the Forum for Democratic Change opposition party, claimed that small businesses were forcibly closed to create a more favorable appearance for summit visitors.
Stella Nakazzi, a food vendor along the highway connecting Kampala to the main international airport, shared her experience of having her business closed by police for security reasons. Upon returning to work the next day, she found her stall, utensils, and fresh food gone, with the place flattened.
Authorities have also imposed a ban on most motorcycle taxis in Kampala for the summit’s duration, relocating them from their traditional parking zones.
Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, the minister for Kampala, defended the government’s actions, stating that warnings were given to people about illegal businesses and unplanned structures. Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi indicated that over 4,000 visitors, including 50 heads of state, have confirmed attendance at the two summits.
The Non-Aligned Movement, established 63 years ago, aims to provide a greater voice to countries caught in the power struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union.
