Kampala, Uganda – Over 40 Ugandan anti-corruption protesters were arrested and charged on Tuesday following a banned demonstration in the capital, Kampala. The move has drawn criticism from rights groups who accuse the government of stifling dissent.
The protesters, who marched through Kampala chanting slogans and holding anti-graft placards, were arraigned before a magistrate’s court later that day. Bernard Oundo, president of the Uganda Law Society representing the accused, confirmed that at least 42 individuals faced charges including “idle and disorderly” conduct and “common nuisance.”
All pleaded not guilty and were remanded in custody, with court appearances scheduled between July 30th and August 6th.
Human Rights Watch (HRW), a New York-based rights organization, condemned the arrests, calling them a reflection of President Yoweri Museveni’s administration’s “lack of respect for people’s right to protest and express themselves.”
“Authorities should have facilitated their protest and listened to their grievances, rather than resorting to arrests,” said Oryem Nyeko, a senior HRW Africa researcher.
Repeated attempts to reach Ugandan police spokespeople for comment were unsuccessful.
Opposition figures and rights activists have long accused the Ugandan government of widespread corruption and impunity, particularly among President Museveni’s political allies and family members. While Museveni has repeatedly denied shielding corrupt officials, he maintains that those with sufficient evidence against them, including lawmakers and ministers, are prosecuted.
