Controversial social media critic and scholar Stella Nyanzi has today led women activists in demonstrating for women against kidnappers. The police which okayed the demonstration said that the women were free to hit the streets to send a message to kidnappers
Uganda, especially central Uganda has witnessed a rampant spate of kidnaps of women, over the last two years. So far over twenty women have lost their lives to such acts that ended with violent death. The latest high profile kidnap and killing was that of Susan Magara, whose fingers were cut off before being murdered.
‘We are marching against these senseless killings. Our lives are endangered and it is time we took the matter in our hands,” Stella Nyanzi said.
The women moved with coffins and black t-shirts with messages to kidnappers.
In announcing the march around the city, Stella Nyanzi posted on her social media page:
“The One Million #WomensMarchUg is today! I am very excited that we finally have all the requisite permission letters and approvals. I celebrate the 17 members of the Women’s Protest Working Group WPG for team spirit, perseverence, resilience, tenacity, consistency and hope. I laud all right-thinking Ugandans who believed in this vision and mission when naysayers were walalalaring and nyonyonyoing.
I thank all police officers who worked tirelessly towards actualising this important but difficult partnership. My special commendations publicly go to AIGP Asan Kasingye for the respect, dignity, understanding, wisdom and leadership he specifically provided me when many were repelled by my queer methods, dusgusted by my innovative methods, and put off by my eccentricity. I salute Afande Manzi for always securing my security when others were rushing to arrest and penalise me. Salute!
KCCA has given us permission to convene at the Centenary Park. Mr. Godfrey Kirumira has granted us permission reconvene at the Railway Green. Please arrive early for registration at the entrance to the Centenary Park that is closest to Hotel Africana. Marching will start at 10:00AM and end by 12:30PM. The route has changed slightly as appended.
For people interested in sending financial support towards the preparations and success of this peaceful protest, please send mobile money contributions to MTN +256771824117 in the names of Stella Nyanzi or Airtel +256752885088 in the names of Harriet Nyanzi.”
