Ugandan Protesters Demand Anti-Corruption Reforms, Face Crackdown
Kampala, Uganda – Scores of anti-corruption protesters were arrested in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, as they marched to Parliament to demand reforms. The protesters, who included a former MP contestant and a comedian, were met with a joint team of military and police personnel, who swung into action to make arrests.
Despite warnings from the police, the protesters went ahead with their march, holding placards and chanting slogans. However, the authorities were quick to respond, with police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke stating that they would not tolerate “disorderly conduct” and would take measures to prevent the protesters from causing chaos.
The protesters have tabled several demands, including the resignation of the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, and the four backbench commissioners. They also want MPs involved in corruption scandals to resign, as well as an audit into the lifestyles of MPs and a reduction in their salaries and allowances to a maximum of shs3 million.
The police, while acknowledging the levels of corruption in the country, do not agree with the approach of the protesters. According to Rusoke, the protesters have a right to assembly, but it is not absolute and is subject to limitations. The police claim that previous protests have turned chaotic, and they cannot give chance to this one.
The protesters, however, remain undeterred, calling for an end to corruption and demanding that the authorities take action to address the issue. The standoff between the protesters and the authorities is likely to continue, with both sides refusing to back down.
