The police are kinda ruining Christmas for people just trying to survive. Folks living in poorer parts of Kampala, specifically in neighborhoods like Bwaise and Kawala, are asking security forces to back off and let them have a quiet holiday. They say constant harassment from officers is making a hard season even worse, with many barely scraping together money for food. A guy from Bwaise, Kawuma John, mentioned they are keeping celebrations low-key because of empty pockets, and the main request is just to be left alone.
Beneath some small gatherings with a bit of meat or music, there is serious bitterness. Residents feel abandoned by political leaders who only show up for votes, then vanish. They also accuse cops of using sticks on them, even when they are just marking the day in their own modest way. Some admit they do not really get the whole Christmas meaning, but they still want to share a drink or a meal with whatever the community can pool together. The whole scene just shows the massive gap between the holiday cheer on the radio and the daily grind of having nothing.
Beneath some small gatherings with a bit of meat or music, there is serious bitterness. Residents feel abandoned by political leaders who only show up for votes, then vanish. They also accuse cops of using sticks on them, even when they are just marking the day in their own modest way. Some admit they do not really get the whole Christmas meaning, but they still want to share a drink or a meal with whatever the community can pool together. The whole scene just shows the massive gap between the holiday cheer on the radio and the daily grind of having nothing.
