Kituuma Rusoke, the police spokesperson, on Friday revealed that a total of 104 individuals were arrested between July 22 and July 25 when demonstrators attempted to #MarchToParliament in Kampala, prompting significant police intervention.
After over a month of online mobilization, Gen Z activists took to the streets in the Central Business District to protest ongoing corruption allegations against Speaker of Parliament Anita Among.
According to police reports, on July 22, nine individuals were arrested and charged with common nuisance and traffic regulation violations, all of whom were taken to court.
“On the following day, July 23, a total of 75 suspects were apprehended; 74 were subsequently taken to court, while one remains in police custody,” Rusoke highlighted.
Rusoke further noted that on July 24, only three individuals were arrested and charged with common nuisance offenses, all of whom were taken to court. On July 25, sixteen people were arrested, with 13 taken to court and three still in police custody.
The police also detailed that among those arrested, 13 individuals had prior criminal charges. So far, 100 of the arrested individuals have been taken to court.
In his national address on July 20, President Museveni warned that anyone who takes to the streets will face severe consequences.
“While we, the wealth creators, are busy creating wealth for Uganda, some elements, including some from the opposition, are working with foreigners to foment chaos in Uganda through riots, illegal demonstrations, and inconsiderate processions,” he stressed.
“These people are unfair and should check themselves, or we shall have no alternative but to check them. Don’t be tempted to bring chaos and step on people’s products on the road,” he added.
Currently, it remains unclear if the Gen Z protesters will back down, as their protest campaigns continue online.