NRM cadres to hold first-ever nude protest against World Bank

NRM government enjoys great support from the World Bank since 1963 when the East African country officially joined the global funding body.

Oyam – January 19, 2022: A group of NRM cadres are busy planning for what might be the most eye-catching protest against a powerful global funding institution in Uganda since 1986.

According to Patrick Odongo, the planned protest leader, “The World Bank has refused to release funds for the construction of the deadly Lira-Kamdini road over concerns about how the project will affect frogs and toads when the road is made”.

Because of the above reason, Odongo told TND News early this week there will be a planned nude protest at the bank.

The organizers have put the Police and UNRA on notice. Asked if they are ready for possible repression from the security, deputy mobiliser, Emor Polycarp said: “Yes, we are ready.”

The Lira-Kamdini highway is under the mandate of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) and they are the body to be pursued. To Odongo, it is the World Bank responsible.

Asked whether he has alerted UNRA, he said: “No. We want to surprise them.”

Following a series of crashes on Lira Kamdini road and other crashes across Lango sub-region leading to the loss of more than 10 people in less than a week, debates have resumed among locals and leaders.

Activists and politicians seem united, with all calling for a peaceful protest against the central government for neglecting the Lira-Kamdini road and mistreating the Lango sub-region.

The debates and anger have been ignited following the arrest of activist and former Oyam South MP, Isaah Otto Amiza on Monday on an allegation he was mobilizing locals to protest against the government.

Otto was released that same day in the night.

Back to Wold Bank nude or gentle protest, Polycap Emor, Odongo’s deputy told this publication on Wednesday they are also sending a message to the government.

“Why should they (World Bank) think about the lives of frogs more than human beings, it means they are not favoring us.”

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He added that Uganda is a member of the World Bank and both signed an agreement with the latter agreeing to fund the project.

So far more than 20 people have registered for the protest, according to Emor who added that they will engage Lango Parliamentary Group for harmony.

Protestors shall not clothe; no vest but only the undies, according to chief organizers.

LPG leadership are also calling on the natives to take part in a peaceful protest against the same subject.

Anti-World Bank protestors’ extra concern

“We are giving notice to the Uganda Police, UNRA and the World Bank group that we shall stage picketing and sit-in at their respective offices with the protesters in the NUDE to demonstrate their shameful lack of responsibility.”

NRM government enjoys great support from the World Bank since 1963 when the East African country officially joined the global funding body.

UNRA

According to Uganda National Road Authority (UNRA’s) latest update, the Lira-Kamdini road is included in the North Eastern Road Corridor Asset Management Project (NERAMP), as part of the Lot 2 section: Soroti-Lira-Kamdini.

“The project funded by the Government of Uganda and the World Bank aims at introducing long term asset management contracts through Output and Performance-Based Contracting (OPRC). Being a World Bank-financed project, compliance to Environmental and Social safeguard (ESS) requirements is key. No activity can take place without Bank clearance of ESS.”

Uganda joins the Bank

Uganda joined the World Bank on September 27, 1963, and has continued to receive support to date. Most recently, in December 2021 the World Bank approved $180.3m in additional financing for the Covid-19 response and emergency preparedness project (REPP).

The funding, they say, is to expand affordable and equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines and build a more resilient health system.