Kampala, (UG):- Over 30 activists were Tuesday arrested as as police and other security agencies cracked down on protesters during day one of the ‘March to Parliament’ anti-corruption walk in Kampala, Uganda’s capital.
The protests which began Tuesday, July 23, are organised by activists and some members of the National Unity Platform (NUP) party with seven reasons listed to justify their cause, among which is the call for the resignation of House Speaker Anita Among.
By Mid-day on D-Day, anti-riot policemen had wrapped up dozens of protestors among whom included Faiza Fabz, a talk show host at Kfm and blogger Benard Ewalu Olupot aka Beewol who were found at Oasis Mall.
Others arrested include Human rights activists, Mr Eriah Nuwenuwe and Habibu Buwembo who were intercepted from the precincts of Parliament and several of whom were nabbed from downtown Kampala and Dewinton Road.
Eriya was seen writing “#Anita Must Resign” on a placard before being whisked away by security forces.
In a lens scan of the city centre and particular areas surrounding Parliament Avenue, security forces were seen deployed in large numbers, surrounding the city and blocking all entrances to Parliament where protesters had planned to march.
One unidentified protester was arrested after beating security to reach Parliament’s main gate and whisked away to Kampala CPS for detention.
The entirety of Kampala CBD is surrounded by security officials including Police officers, Counter Terrorism, Military Police, and plain-clothed personnel. On various roads, there were at least 2 barricades with at least five security officers.
By the time of filing this story, Police were yet to reveal the number of arrested individuals. Yet still, the fierce crackdown on the youths has already raised concerns about the government’s tolerance for dissent and the right to peaceful protest.
One of the organizers of this march speaking to journalists said; “The government is trying to silence us, but we will not be intimidated. We will continue to demand accountability and transparency.”
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