IN a development that threatens to ignite wider regional unrest, youth-led protests have spread to Uganda, marking the second East African country to face such demonstrations. The movement has raised alarms in Nigeria, where authorities have issued stern warnings against similar actions.
On Tuesday, Ugandan security forces detained dozens of young protesters in downtown Kampala during a banned rally against official corruption and alleged human rights abuses. The crackdown comes as governments across the region grapple with growing discontent among their youth populations.
According to Ugandan human rights groups, more than 45 people were detained during the protest.
The protesters, waving placards and shouting anti-corruption slogans, faced a heavy security presence. Soldiers and police were deployed around the parliament building and throughout the capital, with armoured personnel carriers patrolling the area. “It’s like a war zone,” said Edwin Mugisha, a Kampala resident.
Authorities had banned the protest, citing intelligence suggesting potential hijacking by “criminally-minded youths.” In response, they sealed off opposition party offices and detained several party officials on Monday.
In Kenya, police on Tuesday fired tear gas to prevent scuffles between groups of protesters and government supporters in the capital Nairobi.
The spread of these protests to Uganda follows similar unrest in another East African nation, raising concerns about a domino effect across the region. The situation has put neighbouring countries on high alert, with Nigeria taking preemptive measures by warning its youth against contemplating similar actions.
As the situation unfolds, regional leaders are closely monitoring developments, fearing that the youth-led movement could spark a wider wave of protests challenging longstanding political and economic issues across East Africa and beyond.
