Ugandan authorities has charged and detained approximately 60 individuals who participated in anti-corruption rallies in Kampala, defying an official ban.
Among those charged were a prominent TV and radio presenter, Faiza Salima, and three young protest leaders, including George Victor Otieno, Kennedy Ndyamuhaki, and Aloikin Praise Opoloje. They faced charges such as being a “common nuisance.”
The protests, inspired by similar movements in Kenya, were organized online by young Ugandans. The demonstrations were met with a heavy police presence, including roadblocks and officers sealing off roads to parliament. President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for nearly four decades, had warned protesters against their actions.
Lawyers representing the detained individuals criticized the swift legal proceedings, which saw the protesters remanded in custody without bail. Human Rights Watch condemned the arrests, highlighting concerns about the respect for rights in Uganda.
Corruption remains a significant issue in Uganda, with the country ranking low on Transparency International’s corruption index. Recent high-profile scandals have involved public officials, further fueling public discontent and calls for action against corruption.
Background and Reactions
President Museveni dissolved parliament and called for snap elections, leading to a fractured National Assembly. In response to the protests, Museveni labeled the demonstrators as “playing with fire,” and the police reinforced security measures across Kampala.
Prominent opposition figures, such as former presidential candidate Bobi Wine, also faced government crackdowns. Wine’s party headquarters were besieged, and several of his party’s MPs were arrested. Wine praised the protesters for their courage in the face of military and police actions.
Corruption and Sanctions
The United States and Britain have imposed sanctions on several Ugandan officials, including parliament speaker Anita Among, for alleged corruption. The Ugandan government has faced criticism and legal challenges related to embezzlement and graft scandals, with some high-profile figures currently on trial.
The protests and subsequent arrests underscore the ongoing struggle against corruption and the challenges faced by those advocating for transparency and accountability in Uganda.
