Kampala, Uganda – Ugandan police arrested 14 opposition figures, including two lawmakers, on Monday as they staged a protest against the deportation of their colleagues from neighboring Kenya. The latest crackdown comes amid a backdrop of growing political unrest in both countries.
Last month, Kenyan authorities detained and deported 36 members of Uganda’s opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) who were in the country for a training course. Upon their return to Uganda, they were charged with terrorism-related offenses, allegations they vehemently deny.
In response to the treatment of their colleagues, a group of FDC members took to the streets of Kampala on Monday. They were swiftly apprehended by police and subsequently charged with public nuisance. While four were released on bail, the remaining detainees were remanded in custody.
Opposition figures and human rights advocates have repeatedly accused President Yoweri Museveni’s government of using fabricated charges to stifle dissent. The government has consistently denied these allegations.
The ongoing political tensions in Uganda mirror similar unrest in Kenya, where youth-led protests have erupted against the government.
President Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, has faced increasing pressure from the opposition in recent years.
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