27 Protesters Jailed Over Kampala Anti-Corruption March

Twenty-seven people have been charged and remanded to Luzira Prisons following their involvement in a protest against corruption in Kampala. The accused participated in demonstrations around Kampala city suburbs and were marching to Parliament when they were arrested.

Among those in court were Dr. Ivan Ssempijja, Nelson Tamale (driver), Simon Matovu (plumber), Eriya Nawenuwe (lawyer), businessman Muhammed Ssentongo, David Mugisha, Robert Kiwanda, Peter Ssegwanyi, Alex Twikirize, Benjamin Akiso, David Musiri, Isaac Mukiibi, Edward Lutaaya, and Bruno Kamoga.

According to the prosecution, the accused made a procession on July 23, 2024, at Nasser Road in the Central Division of Kampala. They were carrying placards and marching in the middle of the road without legal authorization, causing annoyance, obstruction, or inconvenience to the public. This act violated Section 148 (1) of the Penal Code Act, which covers common nuisance.

The accused appeared before Buganda Road and Nakawa Chief Magistrate Courts and were charged with common nuisance. This offense can result in a seven-year jail term if convicted. The court has remanded them until August 5 and 8, 2024.

The accused were represented by several lawyers, including the President of the Uganda Law Society, Benard Oundo. The legal team’s primary focus is to secure temporary freedom for the accused as soon as possible.

Details of Charges and Accused

The prosecution maintains that the procession was unauthorized and disrupted public order.

Disparity in Protest Handling Sparks Debate in Ugandan Parliament

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa explained that a recent demonstration against Lwemiyaga MP Theodore Ssekikubo caught Parliament off guard. The protest, led by the group Kisa Kya Mukama, took place at Parliament buildings without prior notice to the institution.

Earlier today (Tuesday), Tayebwa informed the legislators that Parliament Police were not properly briefed on how to receive the petitions from the protesters. He clarified that he had instructed security that only three people could bring and present a petition. He emphasized that he did not want cameras present during the petition’s reception, as the rules of procedure are clear on how petitions should be processed.

Tayebwa also addressed calls for a debate on corruption, stating that he had not been formally petitioned on this matter. He reiterated that any grievances must go through the formal leadership of Parliament. “The institution of Parliament has not received a formal notification of anyone who wants to bring a petition regarding the issues they are talking about in public. I will not move from my chair to start soliciting petitions from the public when we are an institution with formal structures,” he asserted.

Last week, a group of people demonstrated at Parliament with placards protesting against MP Ssekikubo, accusing him of various irregularities. Leader of Opposition (LOP) Joel Ssenyonyi criticized the government for what he perceived as double standards in the treatment of demonstrators. He highlighted that the protesters against Ssekikubo were allowed into Parliament without issue, while other protesters marching to Parliament were intercepted by security forces.

“Many of them have been bundled up, they have been beaten up. Many are in jail. I thought the same way you received those who were protesting apparently against one of our colleagues, you would receive them in a similar manner,” Ssenyonyi noted. He questioned why the protesters were not accorded the same type of treatment and respect, emphasizing that they were only carrying placards and not weapons.

Details of Protest and Responses