FDC Demands Government to Put Action Plans to Control Kenyan Protesters.

Opposition Forum for Democratic Change-FDC Party has requested that the government take action to prevent the situation in Kenya from getting worse.

According to Mr. John Kikonyongo, the party deputy spokesperson, Uganda heavily relies on imports which are mostly received through Kenya's Mombasa Port. He also added that Uganda is a landlocked country, and when Kenya experiences instability, it has a direct impact on Uganda's trade activities.

Mr. Kikonyongo suggested that the government should engage in diplomatic efforts with the East African Parliament and other diplomatic channels to address the situation that may potentially harm Uganda's economy.

“We interest the government of Uganda to think about the situation in Kenya more seriously, they shouldn’t take it for granted because it has a lot of effect on our economy. If there is a way of working out a solution despite being a foreign country, I believe it is high time they came in with whatever they could do,” Mr Kikonyogo said.

While speaking to journalists at the party headquarters in Kampala, he urged the people of Uganda to stock up on essential items in case the situation in Kenya deteriorates.

“When there is a war in Kenya, automatically Uganda is in danger as far as our economy is concerned. We cannot go into their internal affairs but we must pray to God that whatever happens there doesn’t affect us.” he said.

Yesterday, Raila Odinga, the opposition leader of Kenya, appealed for weekly demonstrations as clashes broke out between the police and protesters who were rallying against the country's high cost of living.

The riots have caused disruptions to businesses at the Busia district of the Ugandan border.
Supporters of Raila Odinga were involved in clashes with the police in Kisumu Town, Homa Bay Town, and some residential areas in Nairobi.

As the violence continued throughout the day, the road leading to Kenya was deserted as drivers and transporters parked their cargo trucks and fuel tankers for fear of being caught up in the riots.

The riots in Kenya have caused a drastic reduction in the number of fuel tankers and cargo trucks crossing from either side of the border, which may disrupt the supply of essential goods, including fuel, to Uganda.

The disruptions have affected businesses at the Busia border, including money changers, clearing agents, and traders in the main market that handles cereals destined for East and Central Africa.

The protests are in response to the announcement of Dr. William Ruto as the president-elect in August last year by the former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chairperson, Mr. Wafula Chebukati. Odinga challenged the outcome at the Supreme Court but lost due to insufficient evidence.

The protests are also fueled by the rising cost of living and blamed on the Ruto-led Kenya Kwanza Alliance.