Ugandan police were out in force on the streets of Kampala Uganda’s capital ahead of planned anti-corruption rally that has been banned by the Ugandan authorities.
President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled the East African Country with an iron fist for almost four decades, had warned the demonstrators over the weekend they were “playing with fire.”
Three opposition lawmakers were remanded in custody late Monday, police said, after opposition leader Bobi Wine said his National Unity Platform (NUP) headquarters was “under siege” by police and army officers.
The call to action over corruption has been organized online, drawing inspiration from the mostly Gen-Z led anti-government protests in the neighboring country Kenya.
“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.
Police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke said the authorities will “not allow a demonstration that will risk peace and security of the country.”
In the streets of the capital Uganda , an AFP journalist said there were roadblocks on mostly quiet streets- especially near Kampala’s business district heavily manned by officers in anti-riot gear with some wearing camouflage uniforms.
