A Ugandan magistrate’s court has charged at least 42 youths following a banned anti-corruption protest in Kampala. The protest, which took place on Tuesday, saw demonstrators marching through the capital’s streets, shouting slogans, and holding placards denouncing corruption among lawmakers. The charges filed against the protesters highlight ongoing tensions between citizens demanding accountability and a government intent on maintaining control.
Charges and Court Proceedings
The youths were charged with various offenses, including being “idle and disorderly” and being a “common nuisance,” according to the charge sheet produced in court. Represented by a team of lawyers led by Bernard Oundo, president of the Uganda Law Society, the suspects pleaded not guilty. They have been remanded in custody and are scheduled to return to court between July 30 and August 6.
“The charges outlined are typical of what we see in cases where the government seeks to suppress dissent,” Oundo explained. “Our clients maintain their innocence and assert their right to peaceful protest.”
Human Rights Watch, a New York-based rights group, criticized the arrests, highlighting President Yoweri Museveni’s administration’s “lack of respect for people’s right to protest and express themselves.” Oryem Nyeko, senior Africa researcher at HRW, stated, “Instead of being arrested and blocked from protesting, those people should have been given a platform and listened to.”
Nyeko’s comments reflect broader concerns about the state of human rights in Uganda. Critics argue that the government’s heavy-handed approach to dissent is indicative of a broader strategy to stifle political opposition and maintain power.
Despite repeated calls for comment, the police spokesperson did not respond. Opposition leaders and rights activists claim that corruption is rampant in Uganda, accusing Museveni of protecting politically loyal or related senior officials from prosecution. Museveni, however, has denied condoning corruption, asserting that culprits are prosecuted when there is sufficient evidence.
Government’s Stance on Corruption
President Museveni’s government has faced long-standing accusations of corruption and misuse of public funds. Critics argue that the administration has failed to take meaningful action against high-profile figures within the government. This is particularly for those with political connections or familial ties to the president.
Museveni has consistently denied these accusations. “We are committed to fighting corruption at all levels,” he said in a recent address. “Whenever there is sufficient evidence, we take action, regardless of the individual’s status.”
However, many Ugandans remain skeptical. The protest on Tuesday was a manifestation of this frustration, as citizens took to the streets to demand greater accountability.
Heavy Security Presence
Ahead of Tuesday’s march, the military and police were heavily deployed across Kampala to deter the protest. The heavy security presence reflects the government’s approach to handling dissent and public demonstrations. Security forces were seen patrolling key areas of the city, setting up roadblocks, and conducting searches.
“We have to ensure the safety and security of all citizens,” a senior police official said, justifying the heavy deployment. “Public gatherings, especially those that are not sanctioned, can quickly turn violent.”
Despite the government’s efforts to prevent the protest, hundreds of demonstrators managed to gather in various parts of the city. They carried signs and chanted slogans calling for an end to corruption and demanding better governance.
The arrests and subsequent charges have sparked international criticism. Human rights organizations and foreign governments have called on Uganda to respect the rights of its citizens to peaceful protest.
“The right to protest is a fundamental human right,” said a spokesperson for the United Nations Human Rights Office. “We urge the Ugandan government to release those detained for exercising this right and to engage in meaningful dialogue with its citizens.”
The European Union also issued a statement expressing concern over the arrests. “We are monitoring the situation closely and urge the Ugandan authorities to uphold democratic principles and the rule of law,” the statement read.
Source: ReutersÂ
