Dozens of people who participated in anti-corruption rallies in Kampala, Uganda have been charged and detained, despite an official ban on the protests. Around 60 individuals, including a well-known TV and radio presenter, have been remanded in custody on charges such as being a “common nuisance”. The demonstrations were organized by young Ugandans through social media, calling for action against corruption in the country. President Yoweri Museveni had warned that the protesters were “playing with fire”, leading to a heavy police presence in the capital.
The arrests and charges have been condemned by human rights groups, with concerns raised about the respect for rights in Uganda. The crackdown on opposition figures, including members of the National Unity Platform led by Bobi Wine, has intensified, with several MPs from the party being arrested. Corruption is a major issue in Uganda, with the country ranking poorly on the Transparency International corruption index. There have been high-profile corruption scandals involving public officials, leading to sanctions being imposed by the US and UK on certain Ugandan officials.
Despite the arrests and repression, protesters and activists remain determined to fight against corruption and hold those responsible to account. Lawyers representing those detained during the rallies have promised to ensure justice for their clients. The ongoing actions against corruption in Uganda highlight the deep-seated problem of graft in the country and the challenges faced by those seeking to address it.
Source
Photo credit www.hindustantimes.com