The Forum for Democratic Change has raised concern that the demonstrations in Kenya might affect Uganda’s economy since Kenya is the main gateway to Uganda’s imports and exports through the Indian Ocean.

The FDC Deputy Spokesman John Kikonyogo, who addressed journalists earlier in the day at the party headquarters in Kampala, asked the government to use the East African Community platform to help the Kenyans resolve the issues that led to the demonstrations.
The anti-riot police in Kenya have spent much of the day in running battles with supporters of opposition leader, Raila Odinga who have been demonstrating in Nairobi and other parts of the country.

The demonstrations follow calls by five-time presidential candidate Raila Odinga, asking the people to pressure the government of President William Ruto to tackle the increasing cost of living and also address what they call the democratic deficit in Kenya.

Here in Uganda, the FDC is concerned that these demonstrations could severely affect the speed at which the Ugandan economy is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The FDC, therefore, urges Ugandans to be alert and conscious of the situation in the neighboring country and possibly prepare for the worst.

However, the FDC appeals to the Ugandan government and the wider East African community to intervene and help the Kenya political class and their supporters restore peace. FDC deputy spokesperson, John Kikonyogo says all the countries in the region must be concerned with what’s happening in Kenya.

Kenya is one of the major entry points for Uganda’s imports and exports through the Indian Ocean and any riots may affect the supply of goods to Uganda.

Raila Odinga, who is the leader of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition party, was its Presidential candidate in the September 2022 elections. He narrowly lost to William Ruto of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party and the Kenya Kwanza Coalition.

Ramson