Makerere, IUIU University Students Arrested in Anti-Corruption Protests

 Two groups of anti-corruption protesters have been arrested in separate incidents near Parliament Avenue. The first group, comprising students from Makerere University, has been taken into custody on Nasser Road. Shortly afterwards, mores students, this time from the Islamic University of Uganda-IUIU have also been arrested at Parliament Avenue.

“Anita Among must go, we’re tired of corruption in Uganda!” the protesters chanted as they are being bundled into the police van by the anti- riot police personnel at parliament avenue, before being whisked away.”

The arrests came after security forces had intensified their presence at all major junctions and roundabouts leading to the city, especially those leading towards Parliament premises, in an effort to prevent planned protests against corruption.

A heightened security presence is visible in Kampala with armored vehicles and personnel patrolling the streets.

Key roads leading to parliament including Kimathi Avenue, King George VL Street, Siadi Barre and Nile avenues have been cut off. De Winton road has also been cut off by the deployments.

Public vehicles are restricted but pedestrians can access through the check points. The increased security can be noticed at all junctions.

Some of the organisers of the protest said they were forced to change the meeting venues after security forces occupying the railway grounds, where they had intended to start from.

Field force unit, military police and other UPDF officers were seen searching shops at Garden city and the nearby buildings for protesters gathering points.

The crackdown on protesters has elicited concerns about the government’s stance on free speech and assembly. The demonstrations aim to draw attention to corruption and demand accountability from public officials. However, in his speech on Saturday President Museveni warned the youth not to protest.

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