Police on Monday arrested two activists over holding an unlawful protest challenging recent opposition abductions and alleged electoral fraud in January elections.
The arrested include Benjamin Akiso, 27, a former Kyambogo University Guild President, and Ismael Mayanja, 28. Both are being held at Wandegeya Police Station pending charges.
Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigire said the arrests occurred along Wandegeya Street as the protest began.
‘The Wandegeya Police arrested two suspects; we are investigating their case of public incitement of violence to commit an offence. We are yet to align them before court by the end of 48 hours,’ Mr Owoyesigire said.
He condemned the protest as unlawful, stressing it threatened national security, and urged citizens to follow proper procedures for demonstrations.
‘There are proper ways of having peaceful police-supervised protests. We urge them to always inform the police officers or the IGP to work together ensuring that the protests are regulated,’ he added.
The arrests come amid heightened tension for the National Unity Platform (NUP) after several party leaders were either detained or went missing.
Among them are NUP deputy presidents for Western and Northern Uganda, Ms Jolly Jacklyn Tukamushaba and Dr Lina Zedriga Waru, who have not been seen since January 15, the party says.
Before his arrest, Akiso called for the release of all political prisoners and accountability for human rights violations, urging scrutiny of the electoral process.
‘To the security forces, civil servants, and electoral officials. Your allegiance is to the Constitution and to the people of Uganda, not to individuals or illegal orders. History will judge those who chose to uphold the law, and those who chose to violate it,’ Akiso said.
He also appealed to international actors saying: ‘We as well appeal to the international community, the African Union, the East African Community, the United Nations, and all defenders of democracy: silence in the face of injustice is complicity.
‘We call upon you to stand firmly with the people of Uganda through principled action, accountability mechanisms, and diplomatic pressure,’ he added.
Since President Museveni secured a seventh term on January 15 with 71.65% of votes, opposition figures, including NUP candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, have faced arrests or threats, fueling concerns over the post-election cycle.
Bobi Wine fled his home in Magere, Wakiso District, amid escalating security pressures and his whereabouts remain unknown.