104 arrested in five days over anti-corruption protests in Uganda 

Over 104 anti-corruption protesters were arrested in five days this week according to Uganda Police Force. 

Police alongside Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT) have since Sunday last week occupied Kampala city streets in a bid to thwart protests against speaker of parliament Annet Anita Among in particular and other government officials.

The heavy deployment followed days of mobilizing people mostly on social media to participate in anti-corruption protests dubbed #March2Parliament. The forces perceived the anti-corruption protests to be a copycat of what is transpiring in neighbouring Kenya where the youth dubbed Gen Z have put President William Ruto’s government on tenterhooks. Ruto has since sacked his cabinet and backed down on some new taxation policies.

Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke says the protests expected to be held every Tuesday and Thursday like is happening in Kenya led to the arrest of 104.

Rusoke said the 104 protestors were arrested between July 22 and July 25. On July 22, nine individuals were arrested and charged with common nuisance and traffic regulation violations, all of whom were taken to court.

“On 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 offences, all of whom were taken to court,” Rusoke said.

Security says explained that on July 25, a further 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,” Rusoke added.

President Yoweri Museveni has since dubbed the anti-corruption protests as being bankrolled by foreigners to destabilize Uganda. He said if the anti-corruption protests had not had hidden intentions, he would have also participated

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.