By Debra Rono
Several young individuals were apprehended by security officers in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda while protesting on Tuesday morning.
A significant police presence was observed in Kampala on Tuesday morning, with many officers deployed to prevent the protest organised by the youth in Uganda. Videos of armoured vehicles patrolling the streets of Kampala have been circulating on social media.
The Uganda police had recently issued a statement prohibiting the protest, citing intelligence indicating that criminally-minded youth might exploit it for looting and vandalism.
The police have blocked key roads leading to the parliament and are conducting thorough checks on road users who require access.
On Monday, the police raided the opposition party’s offices, accusing them of involvement in the planning, although the opposition denied organizing any protests but expressed support for them.
The protests, dubbed “March to Parliament,” were inspired by the “Occupy Parliament” demonstrations in Kenya and aimed to address the widespread corruption and human rights violations attributed to President Museveni.
President Museveni had previously cautioned the protesters and organizers against inciting unrest, emphasizing that protests would not be tolerated in Uganda.
In Kenya, young people are preparing for protests against corrupt and ineffective leaders. Under the slogan #occupyeverywhere they are expressing their dissatisfaction with President William Ruto, who appointed 11 cabinet secretaries reinstating 6 previously dismissed ones.
Kenyans are demanding government reforms and the resignation of President William Ruto.
President Ruto, speaking in Bomet on Sunday, declared that enough is enough about the protests and vowed to quell the unrest that has resulted in the loss of life and property in the country.
“I want to assure you that it will come to an end,” said the president.