Young Protesters Arrested in Uganda for Corruption Protests

On Tuesday, Ugandan police arrested at least 42 young protesters outside the parliament building in Kampala, charging them with disorderly conduct during a demonstration against government corruption. The protests were inspired by recent successful actions in neighboring Kenya, where public outcry led to the dismissal of President William Ruto's cabinet over a controversial tax proposal. Protesters in Uganda are similarly motivated by a desire to challenge perceived corruption within their own government. President Yoweri Museveni responded to the protests with a lengthy speech, warning that any disturbances would not be tolerated. His security forces labeled the protests as “anarchic” and threatened consequences for disorderly conduct. Despite these warnings, young demonstrators utilized social media to organize and express their intent to continue protesting, reflecting a growing discontent with the government's stance on civil liberties. The protests specifically targeted House Speaker Anita Among, who has faced accusations of corruption, including misappropriating state funds for personal travel. Critics, including opposition leaders and civil rights advocates, argue that Museveni's government is stifling peaceful protests and mischaracterizing the movement as a political plot against him. Protesters voiced their frustrations, emphasizing their exhaustion with rampant corruption in the country. Human Rights Watch condemned the arrests, highlighting a broader pattern of repression against dissent in Uganda. Additionally, several members of the opposition National Unity Platform were detained, with party leader Bobi Wine describing the situation as a siege on their headquarters, further escalating tensions between the government and opposition forces.