Ugandan Anti-Corruption Protesters Clash with Security Forces as Top Officials are Accused of Stinking Corruption

In Summary

• Ugandan security forces arrested dozens of protesters marching to parliament against high-level corruption.
• Protests are inspired by recent successful demonstrations in Kenya.
• Allegations of corruption target Top Politicians like Parliament Speaker Anita Among, who faces U.S. and U.K. sanctions.
• President Yoweri Museveni has called the protests intolerable and warned organizers they are "playing with fire."
• Activists face arrest under laws requiring police notification for demonstrations.

KAMPALA, UGANDA-On Tuesday July 23, 2024, Ugandan security forces arrested dozens of people who attempted to march to the parliament building to protest high-level corruption in demonstrations deemed illegal by authorities. Police and military forces were heavily deployed in various parts of Kampala, where small groups of protesters had gathered.

Some campaigners were forcibly placed into trucks as police used force to disperse the demonstrations, a common tactic against opposition leaders and other protesters.

The protests were organized by Ugandans inspired by recent events in Kenya, where demonstrations led to the president dismissing nearly his entire cabinet following opposition to new tax proposals.

In Uganda, public outrage has been fueled by allegations of corruption against Parliament Speaker Anita Among. Despite calls for her resignation over alleged irregular expenditures, Among, a senior member of Uganda's ruling party, has denied any wrongdoing and claims to be unfairly targeted. She is now under investigation for her wealth and alleged misuse of parliamentary resources.

President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, has declared the street protests intolerable and warned organizers that they are "playing with fire." Protester Safina Nakayiza noted the atmosphere of fear and intimidation, with several streets blocked and protesters arrested for displaying placards.

Museveni's administration has long been accused of protecting corrupt officials from prosecution. Despite Museveni's 2021 re-election promise to combat corruption, many Ugandans remain skeptical. Local media frequently report on corruption, but activists and opposition figures who attempt to protest often face arrest under a law requiring prior police notification for rallies.