Over 104 arrested in March to Parliament Protests

In a week marked by heightened tension and public unrest, the Ugandan police have arrested 104 youths participating in protests aimed at marching to Parliament in Kampala. The protests, which occurred between July 22 and July 25, 2024, were met with significant police intervention, leading to numerous arrests and subsequent court appearances.

Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke provided a detailed account of the week’s events. On July 22, nine individuals were arrested and charged with common nuisance and traffic regulation violations; all were taken to court. The following day, July 23, saw the arrest of 75 suspects, with 74 taken to court and one remaining in police custody. On July 24, three individuals were arrested and charged with common nuisance offenses, all of whom were brought to court. Finally, on July 25, 16 people were arrested, with 13 subsequently taken to court. Overall, 104 individuals were arrested during this period, with 100 already having faced the judiciary. Among those arrested, 13 had prior criminal charges.

The protests, initiated by youths, were in response to widespread corruption within the country. Demonstrators demanded the resignation of Speaker Anita Among and the four backbench commissioners, as well as the reduction of salaries and allowances for Members of Parliament. Their conditions were clear: these demands must be met before they would cease their marches.

President Museveni, addressing the nation earlier this week, claimed that the protests were financed by foreign entities with a history of meddling in Africa’s internal affairs. “The demonstration had funding from foreign sources that are always meddling in the internal affairs of Africa for the last 600 years ─ slave trade, colonialism, neo-colonialism, genocide, economic exploitation, etc.,” Museveni stated.

The president commended security agencies and Ugandans for preventing and not participating in what he termed a “bad demonstration” planned for Tuesday. “All those involved should know that Uganda is not a neo-colony where those shallow schemes can be deployed,” Museveni warned.

Museveni further revealed that intelligence reports indicated the planners and participants had nefarious intentions against Ugandans. “Those very bad things will come out in court when those arrested are being tried. It is possible that some of the participants did not know of the planned foreign funding and the planned bad things. That is why they should have listened to the police advice not to go on with the demonstration. But they rubbished the police.”

The police and government’s response to these protests highlights the ongoing tension between the authorities and the populace over issues of corruption and governance. As the legal proceedings unfold, the nation watches closely to see how these events will impact Uganda’s political landscape and the push for accountability and reform.