Police alongside Uganda People Defence Forces (UPDF) and Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT) occupied Kampala streets starting on Sunday evening in anticipation of massive anti-corruption protests.
The heavy deployment followed days of mobilizing people mostly on X to participate in anti-corruption protests which had been dubbed #MarchToParliament. The forces perceived the anti-corruption protests to be a copycat of what is transpiring in Kenya where Generation Z has put President William Samoe Ruto's government on tenterhooks.
The police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police Kituuma Rusoke has now given an update revealing that the first week of the protests expected to be held every Tuesday and Thursday like it is happening in Kenya led to the arrest of 104.
According to ACP Rusoke, between July 22 and July 25, demonstrators attempted to march to Parliament in Kampala, leading to significant police intervention. He said on July 22 nine individuals were arrested and charged with common nuisance and traffic regulation violations, all of whom were taken to court.
'One July 23, a total of 75 suspects were apprehended; 74 were subsequently taken to court, while one remains in police custody. On July 24, three individuals were arrested and charged with common nuisance offenses, all of whom were taken to court,' ACP Rusoke said.
Security has further explained that on July 25, sixteen people were arrested of which 13 were taken to court, and three are still in police security. 'Overall, 104 individuals have been arrested during this period, with 100 already taken to court. Among those arrested, 13 had prior criminal charges,' ACP Rusoke said.
President Yoweri Museveni has since dubbed the anti-corruption protests as being bankrolled by foreigners with the intention to destabilize Uganda. He said if the anti-corruption protests were not having hidden intentions, he would have been informed and invited to participate as the chief walker.
According to Museveni, anti-corruption protesters are playing with fire as his regime and security agencies won't allow anyone to throw the country into anarchy.
Police said mobilization placards that called upon Ugandans to occupy all streets in Kampala as part of their march to parliament was going to result in significant traffic congestion, disruption of trade, and disturbances to public order.
Among those arrested before the protests were Francis Zaake, Hassan Kirumira, and Charles Tebandeke from the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), along with seven others.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/uganda-arrests-over-100-in-anti-corruption-protests
