Ugandan police detained several demonstrators in the capital Kampala on Tuesday, according to an AFP journalist, as scattered anti-corruption rallies began despite being banned by authorities. President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled the East African country with an iron fist for almost four decades, had warned the demonstrators at the weekend they were "playing with fire". On the eve of the rally, Ugandan authorities had cracked down on the opposition, besieging the headquarters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) of former presidential candidate Bobi Wine and arresting several of his party's MPs.
Police were out in force across Kampala on Tuesday, with police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke saying the authorities will "not allow a demonstration that will risk peace and security of the country". Several protesters were arrested as small rallies began, an AFP journalist said, including two near parliament. "Corruption has to end today," one of them shouted -- wearing a T-shirt calling for the resignation of a leading government politician -- as they were detained by heavily armed officers.
There were roadblocks on mostly quiet streets, especially near Kampala's business district, that were heavily manned by police officers in anti-riot gear with some wearing camouflage uniforms. Posters shared online ahead of the rallies urged demonstrators to march to parliament, but nearby roads were cut off by security forces. The call to action over corruption has been organised online, drawing.