The demonstration, organised on social media, sought to raise awareness about corruption and alleged human rights issues in the country.
Ugandan authorities have arrested multiple individuals in connection with a protest in downtown Kampala.
The demonstration, organised on social media, sought to raise awareness about corruption and alleged human rights issues in the country.
Reuters reported that a witness observed the arrests on Tuesday. Additionally, a video shared by NTV Uganda on X appears to show a group of individuals being stopped and taken into custody by law enforcement.
The protesters waved placards and shouted slogans denouncing corruption. One wore a T-shirt bearing the words "Speaker Must Resign."
Chapter Four, a Ugandan human rights organisation providing legal assistance to the detainees, reports that at least 45 individuals were taken into custody by security forces during the operation.
However, a police spokesperson was unavailable to confirm the exact number of detainees.
According to official documents seen by Reuters, five of those detained have been charged and are being held in custody until July 30. The charges against them include being a "common nuisance" and "idle and disorderly".
Authorities had prohibited the protest, citing concerns that it could be infiltrated by individuals with malicious intentions, potentially leading to property damage and unrest.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, during a televised address, warned organisers on the protest that it would not be permitted.
He addressed the organisers directly, outlining his concerns and the potential consequences of proceeding with the event.
"We are busy producing wealth… and you here want to disturb us. You are playing with fire because we cannot allow you to disturb us," he said.
Soldiers and police officers on Monday surrounded the headquarters of Uganda's largest opposition party.
In a social media post on platform X, National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, reported that security forces had surrounded the NUP headquarters in Kampala, preventing anyone from entering or leaving.
Bobi Wine posted pictures of military personnel on the premises alongside parked army trucks.
“These cowards have turned the National Unity Platform Headquarters into a military barracks. Several leaders have been violently arrested.
“They have now blocked the roads leading to the office. All because THEY ARE SCARED OF THE PEOPLE. And yes, WHEN WE LOSE OUR FEAR FOR THEM, THEY WILL LOSE THEIR POWER OVER US. #FreeUganda,” he said.
Earlier on Monday, he posted, “Ahead of our scheduled press conference this morning, the military and police have raided and surrounded the National Unity Platform offices at Kavule.
“The cowardly regime is so afraid of the people because they know how much they have wronged them! They are so afraid of our message. Blockades like these are never a sign that they are so strong- they're a sign that they are so weak.”
Ugandan security forces detain dozens of young protesters, says rights group
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