For two weeks now the Gen Zs of Uganda have been threatening to go to the streets and protest against the leadership of president Yoweri Museveni. The decision was made after they saw the Kenyan Gen Z take over parliament last month in retaliation for a finance bill that had been passed by parliament.
This gave them strength and they vowed to do the same because they had suffered under the leadership of Museveni. However, Museveni issued a warning and told them not to try the stunt as he would deal with them. He told them that what they were planning was a criminal act that would be met with the full force of the law.
The protests were supposed to happen on Tuesday 23rd.On Tuesday morning the citizens of Uganda woke up to a heavy military presence in the streets. Museveni had ordered the army to protect all government institutions with all their ammunition.
As seen by this writer in videos making rounds on the internet, the military could be seen marching the streets with their vehicles. Policemen arrested several youths as they started their march to Parliament against corruption in Uganda.
Most of the youth were arrested from downtown Kampala as they started their march to Parliament. It is worth noting that the Police Spokesperson, Kituuma Rusoke warned that they will to allow anyone to march to parliament.
“Following a thorough security assessment regarding the feasibility of a political procession, we advised the organizers and urged them to heed our counsel,” police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke stated during a press conference in Kampala on Monday. Rusoke further emphasized that the Uganda Police Force will not tolerate any disorderly conduct.
“That is the position of the Uganda Police Force,” he declared.
He noted that while the right to peaceful demonstration is recognized, it is not without limitations. “Our disagreement is along those lines. The exercise of your right to assemble does not negate our responsibilities as police,” Rusoke explained.
Meanwhile, Media personality Faiza Salima a.k.a Faiza Fabz was alongside photojournalist Baron Edgar Hamala, blogger Bernard Ewalu Olupot a.k.a Beewol, and Doctor Thomas a.k.a Owishemwe on Tuesday morning.
Via X, the 933 KFM presenter revealed the news through a series of tweets explaining how they had been bundled up and taken to Jinja Road Police Station.
“We have been arrested by the authorities. We are detained at Jinja Road Police Station,” Fazia’s tweets read.
The four have been vocal in the mobilization of the ongoing #March2Parliament public protests geared towards casting a spotlight on the fight against corruption and abuse of office at parliament. Dr Thomas revealed how they had been surrounded while at Oasis Mall and arrested.
Photojournalist Baron Edgar Hamala also revealed how his gadgets had been confiscated. Netizens have since called for the release of the four and others who have been arrested in the ongoing protests that started early morning.
Despite the heavy military presence in the streets, the people of Uganda have vowed to proceed with the protests as earlier planned. What do you have to say about this revelation? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. Follow the page for more news updates daily.