Uganda walk-to-work protests kick up dust

[Agent 1337]

The Ugandan people are protesting the rising prices in their nation. Their protest consists of them walking to work, needless to say, the Ugandan government is displeased with this. Personally, I think it's ridiculous for the government to do this, and they should be spending this money on improving the living conditions in Uganda. What are your thoughts on this?

Being hauled up before courts and jailed just because you have chosen to walk to work as a form of protest is something unimaginable in many countries. But in Uganda it happens.

Security forces are harassing and have been locking up opposition politicians and their supporters who are taking part in a protest against spiralling food and fuel prices by walking to work.

The walk-to-work protest, as it is called, began on April 11. A group calling itself Activists for Change (A4C) organised the demonstration and opposition politicians - keen to show they are concerned about people's discontent over rising prices - heeded the call to take part. The Ugandan people also want the government to spend money on social and economic programs, not military equipment.

But the protest got off to a stuttering start as the leading opposition figure, Kizza Besigye, was promptly intercepted by security forces when he was leaving his home in Kasangati near Kampala, the capital. Another politician, Nobert Mao, head of the Democratic Party, and an opposition MP were also picked up.

Besigye, who was arrested for a fourth time on Thursday a day after he was freed on bail on condition that he does not stage more protests, had been given three options: To return to his house or be driven to work in a police vehicle or send for his personal car and drive to work. He chose none.

Read more: http://aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2011/04/201142831330647345.html

 

[RedRalph]

Do you think maybe liberals were behind this, on either side?

 

[sophie]

Any discussion?

 

[Scratch]

Sounds like labor unions. Hope they can squash them before they get out of hand.

 

[El_Machinae]

Moderator Action: If you're going to open OPs, please include discussion as well as material to discuss. It's a discussion forum

 

[EnglishEdward]

There is absolutely nothing the Ugandan government can do about rising fuel prices.

And walking to work is the long term future (where biycles are not practical)
for almost all of us.

The Ugandan government and people should recognise this.

 

[Bill3000]

The Ugandan people are protesting the rising prices in their nation. Their protest consists of them walking to work, needless to say, the Ugandan government is displeased with this. Personally, I think it's ridiculous for the government to do this, and they should be spending this money on improving the living conditions in Uganda. What are your thoughts on this?

Why on earth do you think it's the government's place to improve the living conditions of the working classes in Uganda by intervening in the economy? Are you a communist, or, heaven forbid, a liberal?

 

[Formaldehyde]

I agree. The homophobic Christian president, who has been in power since 1986, should be replaced by someone who is much less conservative.

 

[Dreadnought]

Why on earth do you think it's the government's place to improve the living conditions of the working classes in Uganda by intervening in the economy? Are you a communist, or, heaven forbid, a liberal?

I was about to say that, but thanks for stating the obvious nonetheless.