Nicholas Opio's Chapter Four, a Ugandan based NGO, has received substantial funding from the Ford Foundation, which Kenyan President William Ruto has accused of fueling protests in Kenya.
According to a leaked document (see below), Chapter Four received close to UGX 400,000,000 from the Ford Foundation to support various activities, including provision of legal services for protesters.
Observers have noted striking similarities between the Ugandan protests, ostensibly against corruption, and the anti-tax protests in Nairobi.
Nicholas Opio and others have been actively mobilizing youth on social media to participate in protests, promising free legal services and representation in court.
A highly placed source told this publication a Head of State cannot just accuse foreigners without a basis.
"When a President says the so-called protests are organised and supported by foreigners, the evidence is there," a source that preffered anonymity noted.
Both President Yoweri Museveni and Kenyan President Ruto have said that foreign entities are funding these riots.
Meanwhile, President Museveni commended the Armed Forces, Security Forces, and citizens for thwarting the planned demonstrations, citing concerns about foreign funding and potential harm to Ugandans.
He stated, "Uganda is not a neo-colony where those shallow schemes can be deployed," emphasizing Uganda's sovereignty and warning against foreign interference in African affairs for over 600 years.
He also added, "Some of the authors and participants of the demonstrations were planning very bad things against the people of Uganda," promising that more details would emerge during the trials of the arrested individuals.
