Dozens of people who took to the streets of Kampala on Tuesday to protest against corruption found themselves behind bars, defying an official ban.
Among the 60 arrested were a prominent TV and radio presenter Faiza Salima and three young protest leaders.
They were charged with being a “common nuisance” and remanded in custody, their lawyers reported.
President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda with a firm hand for nearly four decades, had warned that the demonstrators were “playing with fire.”
Riot police were deployed across Kampala, setting up roadblocks near the business district and sealing off roads to parliament.
Police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke stated that no demonstration threatening Uganda’s “peace and security” would be allowed.
The protest was organized by young Ugandans online, drawing inspiration from neighbouring Kenya’s youth-led anti-government protests.
Corruption is a significant issue in Uganda, which ranks poorly on Transparency International’s corruption index.
Ugandans protesting
“We are tired of corruption,” shouted Samson Kiriya, a protester, as he was arrested.
About 60 people were hurriedly brought before the courts in separate hearings.
Bernard Oundo, president of the Uganda Law Society, said that 50 people were charged in a single hearing and are set to reappear in court between July 30 and August 8.
Another five were charged in a separate hearing. Lawyer Patience Muwanguzi described the trial as rushed, saying,
“They were arrested, taken to court, and remanded to prison without securing bail. We will ensure these people receive justice.”
Human Rights Watch Uganda researcher Oryem Nyeko condemned the arrests, calling them a reflection of the current state of respect for rights in Uganda.
Bobi Wine in hot soup
On the eve of the rally, Ugandan authorities raided the headquarters of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) and arrested three MPs.
A heavy police presence remained around the NUP offices on Tuesday.
NUP leader Bobi Wine, who challenged Museveni in the 2021 elections, praised the protesters.
“Salutations to all who have courageously marched against corruption and misrule,” he posted on social media.
Corruption scandals involving high-profile figures have plagued Uganda.
The US and Britain recently sanctioned several Ugandan officials, including the parliament speaker and ministers, for alleged corruption.
Despite these challenges, protesters like human rights lawyer Ezra Rwashande remain determined.
“We are not relenting until we have the corrupt out of office,” he declared.
