The excessive force used by government against the walk to work protests disturbs civil society organizations under the Uganda NGO forum.
Larok Arthur Director of Programming National NGO Forum says the civil society organizations have resolved to identify with and show solidarity with the objective of the protests.
They are mobilizing citizens to join non-violent public actions such as the walk to work protest and demand that government takes a decisive and visible action in response to the current crisis.
Larok also call upon the important and influential sections of the society such as religious leaders to show greater solidarity with their congregation, most of who already walk to work and church.
The civil societies include transparency international, International Aids Alliance, Isis Women’s International Cross Cultural Exchange and the coalition of Uganda Private School Teachers Association.
They want government to have its priorities right given the dire situation.
Larok called on President Yoweri Museveni to cut costs within government.
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They also demand that government must provide food to regions such as Teso region and Kayunga district that have been most hit by drought.
Ruth Ojiambo Ochieng the Executive Director Isis Women’s International Cross Cultural Exchange calls on police to exercise greater restraint in dealing with citizens involved in the protests and use its intelligence constructively.
She adds that police professionalism is crucial in a country that is governed professionally.
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Robert Lugolobi, the Executive Director Transparency International Uganda, castigated the judiciary for asking for huge amounts of money in cash bail.
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Civil society organizations and other government critics are calling for an inclusive talk with other stakeholders in regards to the ongoing crisis.
On Thursday, Kabakumba told URN that the president has sent out invites to opposition leaders for a proposed meeting set for Tuesday next week. The meeting will among others discuss national issues such as oil and security.
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