Violence continues to erupt across the streets of Kampala, Uganda’s capital city as demands for the release of some MPs arrested last week grow.
Protesters have been agitating over the arrest of some lawmakers, charged with instigating an attack on the President, Yoweri Museveni.
The President’s convoy was allegedly attacked in the town of Arua in the country’s northwest last week Monday.
Arrests were quickly made with vocal lawmaker and Musician, Bobi Wine among those arrested.
One person died on Sunday after police clashed with protesters in Kampala, firing teargas and live bullets to disperse them. Five others were also wounded in the incident, Daily Monitor reports.
Protests have been taking place following news of the brutality meted out to those arrested while in detention.
BREAKING NEWS: Downtown kampala (Kisekka) on a standstill. Shops closed, streets cleared, police picking up anyone roaming around. Bullets fired in the air pic.twitter.com/asoTCOHvfI
— Victoria W Bagaaya (@VBagaaya) August 20, 2018
The #FreeBobiWine protests that started in Kampala city on Kampala Road near E-tower & Kisekka are spreading fast as police tries to contain the situation.
So far: Nakivubo, New Park, old taxi park, Kisekka Market, Bombo Road, Katwe, Nateete, Ndeeba, Ku Bbiri, Kalerwe & Kireka. pic.twitter.com/6SJKGs6p8j
— Newslibre Breaking News (@NewslibreBrk) August 20, 2018
On Monday police again clashed with protesters, beating and arresting some of them including journalists covering the incident.
Experienced @Reuters photojournalist @akena_james reportedly beaten up and detained by #Uganda military whilst covering protests in downtown Kampala over the detention of @HEBobiwine and others. #JournalismIsNotACrime
— Catherine Byaruhanga (@cathkemi) August 20, 2018
Museveni denies brutality reports
President Museveni has however denied the reports of brutality against those in detention.
He said the reports are fake although lawyers of the suspects claim their clients have been tortured.
In a statement he said “Fellow Ugandans, the events that have occurred in the last few weeks are not isolated, and we should not treat them in that manner.
We must unite in condemnation but also revive the calls for a national dialogue that will lead to justice, accountability and a new Uganda.”
Lawyers of the Musician turned MP, Bobi Wine last week said the lawmaker is unable to walk. They say he is seriously sick since his arrest.
Uganda under pressure
The European Union and the United States of America have all condemned the treatment of the detained MPs.
The EU and the USA have all called for the respect of the rights of those arrested.
A coalition of civil society organisations has also called on security officers accused of torturing suspects to be put on trial.
The group said “The security forces, led by the Uganda Police Force (UPF) and Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) should provide a list of all their officers that took part in this unprofessional conduct and present them to the courts of law for justice to be attained by all parties affected.”
Source: Africafeeds.com
