In a dramatic escalation of regional unrest, scores of demonstrators were arrested in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, for participating in a banned rally inspired by the youth-led anti-government protests in neighboring Kenya. The demonstrators, marching and shouting anti-corruption slogans, were swiftly detained by police in various parts of the city.
The protests, aimed at highlighting corruption and calling for governmental reforms, were met with a heavy-handed response from the Ugandan authorities. The police, citing concerns for peace and security, moved quickly to disperse the small groups of protesters. “We will not allow a demonstration that will risk peace and security of the country,” said police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke.
President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for almost four decades, had previously warned in a televised address that demonstrators were “playing with fire.” The crackdown on protests reflects the government’s zero-tolerance stance towards dissent and its determination to maintain control.
The protests in Kampala followed a series of arrests on Monday night, when several MPs from the National Unity Platform (NUP), Uganda’s largest opposition party, were detained at the party’s headquarters. As Tuesday’s rallies began, many more protesters were arrested in Kampala.
Photographs from the scene show a female officer in khaki uniform grabbing the arm of a young woman lying on her back on some steps, while another officer stands nearby. Scores of protesters were stopped and detained as they attempted to march to Parliament, despite police roadblocks.
The crackdown comes as Uganda grapples with significant corruption issues, with public officials implicated in numerous scandals. The country is ranked 142 out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem.
The call to action against corruption in Uganda has largely been organized online, inspired by the massive anti-government uprising in Kenya that has drawn global attention. These protests, which began as opposition to a tax-raising bill, have evolved into broader demands for reform, accountability, and President William Ruto’s resignation.
In Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, demonstrators marched through the central business district carrying the Kenyan flag, blowing whistles, and chanting “Enough is enough” and “Ruto must go.” In a stark contrast, groups of boda boda (motorcycle taxi) riders countered the protests to show support for the president, urging patience and giving Ruto time to address the issues.
As tensions escalated, police were deployed in major towns across Kenya, and protesters planned to march to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Social media posts urged people to “OccupyJKIA” and cause a “total shutdown.” Acting Inspector General Douglas Kirocho cautioned against trespassing into the airport, warning that police would enforce heightened security measures.
The Kenya Airports Authority advised travelers to arrive early to avoid delays due to these security checks. What started as peaceful protests on June 18 turned violent after one person was killed a few days later. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, the protests have resulted in at least 50 deaths, 413 injuries, 682 arbitrary detentions, and 59 people either abducted or missing.
Amid these tensions, President Ruto fired his entire cabinet, excluding the foreign minister, and nominated 11 new members, including six who had been dismissed earlier. This move was seen as a concession to the pressure from ongoing demonstrations.
Over the weekend, Ruto vowed to end the protests, emphasizing the need to protect the nation and stop looters. “I have given a chance to everybody to say whatever they want. It cannot continue like this,” he said while addressing residents of Bomet County. “Going forward, we will protect the nation. We will protect life. We will stop the looters. I want to promise you it’s going to stop.”
The protests and the subsequent crackdown in Uganda are a stark reminder of the region’s volatile political climate. The influence of Kenya’s uprising on Uganda’s protest movement underscores the interconnectedness of regional politics and the shared grievances among East African citizens.
Human rights organizations and political analysts have expressed concern over the use of excessive force by Ugandan police and the potential for further escalation. The crackdown on peaceful demonstrators is seen as a suppression of democratic freedoms and a violation of human rights.
Amnesty International has called for an immediate investigation into the actions of the Ugandan police. “The use of excessive force against peaceful protesters is unacceptable and must be condemned,” said an Amnesty International spokesperson. “We urge the Ugandan government to respect the rights of its citizens to peacefully protest and to address the underlying issues that have led to these demonstrations.”
As the situation develops, the focus will be on how the Ugandan government responds to the calls for reform and whether it will engage in meaningful dialogue with opposition groups and civil society organizations. The international community will also be watching closely, as the actions of the Ugandan authorities could have broader implications for the stability and democratic processes in the region.
The arrests and violence in Kampala, inspired by the protests in Kenya, highlight the deep-seated frustrations and demands for change that are reverberating across East Africa. The region’s leaders face mounting pressure to address these issues and to demonstrate a commitment to good governance and accountability.
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