Police heavily patrolled the deserted streets of Kampala, Uganda’s capital, on Tuesday, in anticipation of a planned anti-corruption rally that authorities had banned. President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for nearly four decades, warned protesters over the weekend that they were “playing with fire.”
Late Monday, three opposition lawmakers were remanded in custody, police said, after opposition leader Bobi Wine claimed his National Unity Platform (NUP) headquarters was “under siege” by police and military officers. The rally, organized online and inspired by the Gen-Z-led anti-government protests in neighboring Kenya, aimed to address rampant corruption in Uganda.
“We are the youths and heart of our country, and we are not letting down our country,” leading protester Shamim Nambasa told AFP on Monday. Posters circulated online had urged demonstrators to “march on parliament.”
However, police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke stated that authorities would “not allow a demonstration that will risk peace and security of the country.” AFP journalists reported roadblocks on the mostly empty streets, particularly near Kampala’s business district, with officers in anti-riot gear and some in camouflage uniforms. A heavy police presence also surrounded the NUP headquarters.
On Monday, three opposition lawmakers were detained for “various offences and remanded to prison,” though details of the charges were not disclosed. Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, called for support for the rallies on Monday, stating, “We want a country where we all belong, not for the few in power.” A NUP spokesperson confirmed that legislators Francis Zaake, Charles Tebandeke, and Hassan Kirumira, along with seven others connected to the party, had been detained.
Tuesday’s march, organized on social media under the hashtag #StopCorruption, reflects growing frustration among young Ugandans over graft. Uganda is ranked 141 out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s corruption index, with several major scandals involving public officials.
The situation in Kampala remains tense as authorities continue to crack down on dissent, highlighting the challenges faced by those pushing for transparency and accountability in Uganda.