Hundreds detained during prohibited demonstration influenced by Kenya's mass mobilization

Thousands have been arrested in Kampala, Uganda's capital, for participating in a prohibited gathering that has drawn inspiration from youth-led anti-government protests occurring throughout Kenya recently.

Police halted and apprehended individuals among small groups of demonstrators who were marching while shouting phrases against corruption in various parts of the city.

Kituuma Rusoke, a spokespinas Uganda's police force, stated that authorities would not permit an assembly that could endanger the nation's peace and security.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni cautioned about this demonstration in his broadcast address last Saturday, saying those involved were "playing with fire."

On Monday night, police arrested several lawmakers from Uganda's biggest opposition party, the National Unity Platform (NUP). The arrest took place at their headquarters.

As protests began on Tuesday, numerous demonstrators were detained in Kampala.

Social media posts beforehand encouraged participants to march toward parliament, but police had blocked roads leading there.

Corruption is a pressing concern for Uganda's government and public officials often face allegations of involvement in scandals. According to Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, the country ranks 142 out of 180 nations.

The call for action against corruption in Uganda has largely been organized online and drew inspiration from Kenya's ongoing anti-government protests that have received international attention. The protests in Kenya entered their sixth week last Tuesday.

In Nairobi, where demonstrations are occurring, people marched through the city center carrying the Kenyan flag and chanting slogans such as "Enough is enough" and "Ruto must go." Some motorcycle taxi operators in support of President Ruto's administration countered these anti-government protesters.

Police have been stationed in several towns across East Africa.

Protest organizers had planned to march towards Kenya's main airport, Jomo Kenyatta International, but it remains unclear whether the demonstration would take place.

Social media postings encouraged individuals to "OccupyJKIA" and bring about a complete shutdown of the airport. However, police advised against trespassing into protected areas such as the airport.

The protests initially began over proposed tax hikes but evolved into demands for reform and accountability and eventually led to calls for President Ruto's resignation.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has faced his toughest challenge since assuming office when these demonstrations started, in a country known as one of Africa's most stable nations and with the continent's largest economy.

Responding to public pressure, President Ruto dismissed nearly his entire cabinet on June 23, except for foreign minister Raychelle Omamo. He later appointed 11 individuals to his new cabinet, six of whom were reappointments from those he had previously removed.

Protests in Kenya began peacefully on June 18 but escalated into violence after a participant was killed two days later. The number of deaths related to the protests is reportedly at least 50, with over 400 injured and around 69 missing as per the Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights.

Police recently stated that criminal elements had infiltrated the demonstrations.

On Sunday night, President Ruto promised to put an end to the protests. "I have allowed everyone the freedom of expression," he said while addressing his constituents in Bomet county. He added, "From now on, we will protect our nation and its people."