On Tuesday, police were heavily deployed across the deserted streets of Kampala, Uganda’s capital, in anticipation of an anti-corruption rally that the authorities had prohibited.
President Yoweri Museveni, who has governed Uganda with a firm grip for nearly four decades, cautioned demonstrators over the weekend that they were “playing with fire.”
Late Monday, police reported that three opposition lawmakers were detained, following opposition leader Bobi Wine’s claim that his National Unity Platform (NUP) headquarters was “under siege” by police and military forces.
The anti-corruption rally was organized online, inspired by the Gen-Z-led anti-government protests in Kenya that have persisted for a month.
“We are the youths and heart of our country and we are not letting down our country,” leading Ugandan protester Shamim Nambasa told AFP on Monday.
Posters circulating online before the planned rallies urged participants to “march on parliament.”
However, police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke stated that the authorities would “not allow a demonstration that will risk peace and security of the country.”
AFP journalists in Kampala observed roadblocks on mostly quiet streets, especially near the business district, with heavy police presence including officers in anti-riot gear and camouflage uniforms.
A strong police presence also surrounded the NUP headquarters, according to an AFP journalist.
On Monday, three opposition lawmakers were arrested on unspecified charges and remanded to prison, according to a police spokesperson.
Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, had called on supporters to join the rallies on Monday.
“We want a country where we all belong, not for the few in power,” he said.
An NUP spokesperson confirmed the detention of three legislators—Francis Zaake, Charles Tebandeke, and Hassan Kirumira—along with seven others affiliated with the party.
Tuesday’s rally was organized on social media by young Ugandans using the hashtag #StopCorruption.
Corruption remains a significant issue in Uganda, with numerous scandals involving public officials, and the country ranks 141 out of 180 on Transparency International’s corruption index.