Bobi Wine, President of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has expressed his admiration for the creatives who have actively participated in protests against corruption and poor governance in Uganda. He highlighted the vital role that singers, comedians, media personalities, cartoonists, and photographers play in advocating for change during times of political unrest.
In his statement, Bobi Wine emphasized that these individuals, who are products of society, carry a significant responsibility to speak out on behalf of the people. He noted that when society supports and provides a platform for these creatives, it is only fair that they use their influence to address pressing issues affecting the public.
Bobi Wine commended their bravery and civic duty, acknowledging their sacrifices in the fight for justice.
Sammy Okanya, one of the individuals mentioned, remains in detention at the Central Police Station (CPS) well beyond the legally mandated 48-hour period. Although other detainees have either been remanded or released on bail, Okanya’s situation has been particularly dire. Bobi Wine’s human rights team managed to visit him briefly, finding him in good spirits despite enduring significant pain and violence. Unfortunately, lawyers have been unable to access Okanya, adding to his distress.
Bobi Wine concluded his statement with a message of resilience and hope, urging everyone to persevere in their efforts against corruption and misrule. He reassured supporters with a rallying cry: “We shall overcome!”
Ugandan authorities have arrested more than 100 individuals involved in anti-corruption protests across Kampala since Monday this week. The crackdown has drawn criticism from observers, who label it as a severe suppression of dissent.
On July 23, 2024, protests dubbed the “March to Parliament,” led by youth activists, began in Kampala. The demonstrators were calling for greater accountability and transparency from the government. The police, supported by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), responded with mass arrests.
According to police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, 75 people were detained on the first day of the protests. “Of these, 74 were subsequently taken to court, while one remains in police custody,” Rusoke reported. The detainees are accused of participating in the unauthorized protests, which President Yoweri Museveni has denounced as “foreign-funded to do bad things in Uganda.”
On July 24, Kampala Grade One Magistrate Martin Kirya remanded three opposition lawmakers from the National Unity Platform (NUP)—Francis Zaake, Hassan Kirumira, and Charles Tebandeke—alongside seven other dissidents. This decision followed a raid on the NUP party headquarters in Makerere-Kavule, where security forces clashed with party members.
The following day, July 25, additional arrests were made as protesters continued to demonstrate. Sixteen individuals were detained, and thirteen were taken to court. Three remained in police custody as of the latest reports. Overall, between July 22 and July 24, 104 people were arrested, with 100 already facing court proceedings.
In a related development, three anti-corruption activists—Ruth Nalunkuma, Abigail Kalenda, and Dennis Pato—were granted bail by a Kampala court after being detained during a raid at Hotel Eliana. The raid, conducted by joint security operatives, occurred on July 24, just before the activists’ press conference.
Agather Atuhaire, one of the protest organizers, has expressed concerns that the actual number of detainees may be higher than reported. He fears that many detainees are still unaccounted for by the authorities.
Charge sheets reveal that most of the arrested individuals are facing charges of “common nuisance” and “idle and disorderly conduct.” Comedian Obed Lubega, known as Reign, is also being prosecuted for “attempt to commit hate speech.”
President Museveni praised security forces on July 25 for their handling of the protests, noting that no bloodshed occurred. Despite this, there have been allegations of abuse. Some released detainees have claimed they were tortured and sexually assaulted while in custody—a charge the police deny. The U.S. has urged investigations into these allegations, and Amnesty International condemned the government’s heavy-handed tactics.
Amnesty International’s U.S. chapter condemned the actions of the Ugandan government, stating that the measures used to suppress peaceful protests represent a significant clampdown on dissent. Meanwhile, Uganda’s position on Transparency International’s corruption index remains troubling, as the country is ranked 141 out of 180 countries.
