ULS Positions Lawyers as Security Arrest Demonstrators in March to Parliament Protest

The protesters put forward several demands, including the resignation of the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among and the four backbench commissioners, a reduction in the number of Ugandan MPs, an audit into MPs' lifestyles, the resignation of any MPs involved in corruption scandals and a reduction in MPs' salaries and allowances to a maximum of Ugx 3 million.

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ULS
Some of the lawyers selected by the Uganda Law Society to secure police bond for the arrested march to parliament protesters in Kampala. Courtesy photo

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has sent a team of lawyers to Jinja Road Police Station to secure the release of the arrested protesters in the march to parliament protests.

The ULS president, Bernard Oundo, accompanied by lawyers from the Legal Aid Project, arrived at the police station to arrange for the bond of the detained individuals.

The law society said that it is fully prepared to assist with legal aid for all detained protesters, adding that they have been informed that they will need to wait before any further actions can be taken.

ULS representatives are also visiting other stations where protesters are being held to provide legal representation.

Several young people attempting to march to Parliament on July 23, 2024, have been arrested in Kampala as anti-corruption activists began their demonstration.

The protesters put forward several demands, including the resignation of the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among and the four backbench commissioners, a reduction in the number of Ugandan MPs, and an audit into MPs’ lifestyles.

The protesters further called for the resignation of any MPs involved in corruption scandals and a reduction in MPs’ salaries and allowances to a maximum of Ugx 3 million.

A joint team of the military and other security agencies was deployed and has so far arrested victims, including the former Rubaga South MP contestant and activist, Habib Buwembo, and comedian Samuel Okanya, alias Sammy, among others.

However, business has continued as usual in most parts of the city, and some protesters carried placards as they started their march to the August House.

Earlier, the police had warned that it was ready for the protesters after the two parties met and failed to reach an amicable agreement.

“We reiterate our position: we shall not tolerate disorderly conduct. We understand, feel, and acknowledge the existence of individual rights, but we have a duty to keep law and order that we can’t run away from. We can’t delegate or gamble over this duty,” ACP Kituuma Rusoke, the police spokesperson said.

In Hoima district, some participants were seen holding placards with messages such as “Corruption must end in Uganda” and “We are partyless.”