By KAMPALA, Uganda – A Ugandan magistrate’s court has charged at least 42 youths for offenses allegedly committed during a banned anti-corruption protest on Tuesday. The court has remanded them in custody.
Protesters marched on different streets in the capital, Kampala, on Tuesday, shouting slogans and holding placards denouncing corruption by lawmakers. The youths were arrested during these demonstrations and appeared in court late on Tuesday, according to Bernard Oundo, president of the Uganda Law Society, who was leading a team of lawyers representing the suspects.
The court charged the protesters with various offenses, including being “idle and disorderly” and being a “common nuisance,” according to the charge sheet. They pleaded not guilty and were ordered to return to court on different dates between July 30 and August 6.
New York-based human rights group Human Rights Watch condemned the arrests, stating that they demonstrate the Ugandan government’s “lack of respect for people’s right to protest and express themselves.” Oryem Nyeko, senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch, said, “Instead of being arrested and blocked from protesting, those people should have been listened to.”
The police spokesperson did not answer repeated calls for comment. The opposition has long accused Ugandan authorities of enabling corruption and misusing public funds, alleging that President Yoweri Museveni protects senior officials who are politically loyal or related to him. Museveni has denied condoning corruption and stated that those found guilty, including lawmakers and even ministers, are punished.
Reuters’ Original Story
