Arua City Headquarters Restricts Access Amid Planned Anti-Corruption Protests

Access to Arua City Headquarters and police premises has been significantly restricted in response to plans by a group of youth to stage anti-corruption protests at city offices. This move comes in the wake of similar demonstrations in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, where youth are protesting against pervasive corruption in the country.

Today, security personnel have taken defensive postures across major entrance points to the headquarters, with people being subjected to mandatory checks before entering office premises. Individuals with unclear identities are being turned away as part of the heightened security measures.

West Nile police spokesperson, Ms. Josephine Angucia, stated that the protesters did not inform the police of any planned protest. “The deployment is normal,” she added, indicating that the security measures are a standard procedure rather than a direct response to the protest plans.

The increased security measures in Arua reflect a growing trend across Uganda, where youth-led anti-corruption protests are gaining momentum. In Kampala, similar protests have led to numerous arrests and a significant police presence aimed at quelling the demonstrations.

The protesters in Arua, like their counterparts in Kampala, are calling for accountability and transparency from government officials, who they accuse of widespread corruption. The government’s response to these protests, including heightened security and arrests, has drawn criticism from human rights organizations both domestically and internationally.The Arua protest was yet to yield by press time (4:50pm), amid demonstrations over the same cause in Kampala- through the March to Parliament protests in Uganda’s capital

Human rights advocates argue that the government’s heavy-handed tactics are an attempt to stifle dissent and suppress the right to peaceful assembly. “The right to protest is fundamental, and the government’s efforts to restrict access to public offices and arrest protesters are deeply concerning,” said a representative from a local human rights organization.

As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the authorities will handle the planned protests in Arua and whether the demonstrators’ calls for accountability will be addressed. The growing unrest highlights the urgent need for the Ugandan government to tackle corruption and listen to the voices of its citizens demanding change.