PHOTOS: MPs arrested at NUP offices ahead of March to Parliament protests

According to Police Public Relations Officer (PRO) ACP Rusoke Kituuma, the MPs ignored a prior advisory against their planned march to Parliament.

The march, scheduled for Tuesday, July 23, aims to protest government corruption. The lawmakers were detained at the offices where they had gathered for a press conference.

Among those arrested are Hassan Kirumira of Katikamu South, Francis Tebandeke of Bbaale County, and Francis Zaake of Mityana Municipality.

Rusoke Kituuma, in a statement issued on Monday, July 22, stated that the police would not "tolerate disorderly conduct."

"The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has clearly articulated its position regarding recent events. On July 15, 2024, UPF issued a warning to unidentified individuals engaged in a mobilization campaign across social media platforms. On that date, these individuals notified the Inspector General of Police about their intention to march to Parliament by way of procession and demonstration," the statement read.

"The mobilization placards called upon Ugandans to occupy all streets in Kampala as part of their march to Parliament. From the police perspective, such a mass occupation of the streets would likely result in significant traffic congestion, disruption of trade, and disturbances to public order," the statement added.

"In an effort to dissuade the organizers from this potentially anarchic approach, UPF met with them on July 18, 2024, at police headquarters. Following a thorough security assessment regarding the feasibility of a political procession, the UPF has formally advised the organizers and urges them to heed this counsel."

President Yoweri Museveni had earlier warned against the planned protests, stating that those involved in sabotaging government development plans are "playing with fire."

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