Mass Arrests After Mukono Protests Spark Public Outcry

Tension remains high in Mukono District following the arraignment of more than 300 people in court over last week’s protests, as families and local leaders question the fairness of the arrests.

The suspects were on Monday presented before Mukono Magistrates Court under heavy security, having been transferred from different police detention centres across the district. To manage the large number, court officials split the accused into three groups, each handled by a different magistrate.

Prosecutors charged the suspects with disorderly conduct, stone throwing, malicious damage to public property such as roads, and burning vehicle tyres. All the accused pleaded not guilty and were remanded to various government prisons, including Kawuga, Nakifuma and Nakisunga, to await further court hearings next month.

Outside court, relatives of the detainees protested, insisting that some of those arrested were picked from their homes and had no involvement in the demonstrations. They accused security agencies of carrying out indiscriminate arrests and demanded the immediate release of innocent people.

Nakifuma–Nagalama Town Council councillor Benard Sempaka said at least five detainees were polling agents for Sulaiman Kiwanuka who were arrested while delivering declaration forms to a tally centre.

“These individuals did not take part in any protest,” Sempaka said.

Community leaders say the arrests have spread fear and anxiety. Lweza Cell chairperson Joachim Sendi urged police to thoroughly verify suspects and called on NUP Members of Parliament to intervene and support the detained youths.

The protests broke out last Friday in Kalagi, Seeta, Nabuti and Wantoni after NUP supporters demanded that their candidates be declared winners by the Electoral Commission.