This morning, former Makerere University Guild President Papa Were and several other protesters were arrested as they started off their march toward Parliament in downtown Kampala. The demonstration had been arranged by a coalition of youth activists with the purpose of raising awareness about the wide spread corruption affecting Uganda. The protest met a heavy police presence, which cut it short.
Among the arrested are KFM’s Faiza Salim, Bernard Ewalu aka Beewol, Thomas Kanzira, Musiri David, and many others. It is not yet clear how many detainees the police have, but several eyewitnesses confirm that a number of youths were rounded up and taken away in police trucks.
The Uganda Police Force had issued a strong warning prior to the planned procession. Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke explained the security threats such politicking processions pose during a news briefing on Monday.
“After a comprehensive security appraisal about the viability of a political procession, we advised the organisers and appealed that they heed our advice.” Rusoke said.
This was further underscored, that the police is committed to maintaining public order by Rusoke. “The Uganda Police Force will not countenance any kind of disorderly conduct. That is the stand of the Uganda Police Force,” he said. He also indicated that while the right to peaceful demonstration is recognized, it comes with limitations.
“Our disagreement is along those lines. The exercise of your right to assemble does not negate our responsibilities as police,” Rusoke explained.
The arrested protesters have been taken to several police stations including Jinja Road, Wandegeta in Kabalagala, and Naggalama. The situation is eliciting wide concern among activists and observers, with many fearing President Museveni’s government is suppressing legitimate dissent.
