Uganda police detain dozens of people at anti-corruption protests
Al JazeeraJul 20
Uganda Detains Dozens of Anti-Government Protesters
Above: Traffic navigates past a protester roadblock on November 19, 2020 in Kampala, Uganda. Image copyright: Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
At least 45 people were arrested in Uganda's capital, Kampala, on Tuesday for participating in anti-corruption protests despite an official ban. This is according to Chapter Four Uganda, a human rights group offering legal services to the detainees.
Riot police staffed roadblocks, particularly near the business district, and sealed off the roads leading to parliament. The detainees, including a prominent TV and radio presenter, were taken into custody on charges including being a "common nuisance."
The Spin
Narrative A
The protests prove that civil society can no longer be dissuaded by violence and threats from exercising its constitutional right to protest. Uganda is one of the world's most corrupt countries, and the brutal reaction to the protests reveals the authoritarian regime's fear of its own people. After Kenya, the wave of popular anger against corruption and misrule is now spilling over to Uganda — an encouraging sign that people are increasingly holding their governments to account.
Narrative B
The right to protest isn't unconditional, and the Ugandan authorities must protect the country's stability when unrest erupts. To plunge the country into chaos and bring themselves to power, sections of the opposition are working with foreigners, as they did four years ago. However, the government will not tolerate the country's progress being disrupted. Uganda is not Kenya, and most Ugandans are not falling for the empty slogans of those behind the copycat protests.