Uganda Police Arrest Peaceful Protesters Around Parliament

In a concerning development, Ugandan police have arrested several peaceful protesters who were demonstrating against corruption and the high cost of living around the country’s parliament. The arrests come amidst a wave of anti-corruption rallies planned for Tuesday, which the authorities have attempted to ban.

The protests were organized by a group of young Ugandans, inspired by similar demonstrations in neighboring Kenya, where youth have been protesting against the government of President William Ruto. The Ugandan protesters have been using social media to mobilize, calling for an end to corruption in the government and expressing their frustration with the high cost of living.

President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for 38 years, warned the protesters that they would be “playing with fire” if they proceeded with their plans. The police have also warned against the protests, stating that they cannot be allowed to disrupt business.

Despite the warnings, the protesters have vowed to go ahead with their march to parliament. A group of lawyers and activists have argued that the police cannot legally prohibit a peaceful demonstration, but can only regulate it to ensure it takes place within the confines of the law.

The arrests of peaceful protesters have drawn criticism from human rights organizations and the international community. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders has condemned the arrests as “very disturbing,” while Amnesty International has called on the Ugandan authorities to release those detained and respect the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

The situation in Uganda is part of a broader trend in East Africa, where young people are increasingly taking to the streets to protest against corruption, economic hardship, and political repression. In Kenya, protests have been ongoing for weeks, with demonstrators calling for the government to address the high cost of living and the lack of economic opportunities for young people.

The Ugandan government’s response to the protests will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for how the authorities handle dissent and criticism. The international community will also be keeping a close eye on the situation, as the arrests of peaceful protesters raise concerns about the state of human rights and democracy in Uganda.