Former Makerere Univeraity Guild President, Papa Were and several young protesters have this morning been arrested as they commenced their march to Parliament in downtown Kampala. The demonstration, organized by a coalition of youth activists, aimed to spotlight the pervasive corruption plaguing the nation. However, their march was halted by a heavy police presence shortly after it began.
Others arrested are; KFM’s Faiza Salim, Bernard Ewalu aka Beewol, Thomas Kanzira, Musiri David, among others.
As the protesters gathered in downtown Kampala, they were met by law enforcement officials who swiftly moved to arrest several participants. The exact number of those detained remains unclear, but eyewitnesses report seeing numerous youths being taken into custody. The arrests have sparked widespread concern among activists and observers who fear that the government is stifling legitimate dissent.
The arrested protesters have been spread out to different police stations that include, Jinja Road, Wandegeta, Kabalagala, Naggalama, among others.
The Uganda Police Force had previously issued a stern warning against the planned march. Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke highlighted the security risks associated with such political processions during a press conference on Monday. “Following a thorough security assessment regarding the feasibility of a political procession, we advised the organizers and urged them to heed our counsel,” Rusoke stated.
Rusoke further emphasized the police’s commitment to maintaining public order. “The Uganda Police Force will not tolerate any disorderly conduct. That is the position of the Uganda Police Force,” he declared. He noted that while the right to peaceful demonstration is recognized, it is not without limitations. “Our disagreement is along those lines. The exercise of your right to assemble does not negate our responsibilities as police,” Rusoke explained.
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