Security deployment remains high across Mukono District after more than 300 individuals were taken to court in connection with last week’s political demonstrations.
The accused were transported from different police holding facilities under tight guard and presented before the Mukono Magistrates Court, where they were split into three groups for separate hearings. Prosecutors listed several charges, including public disorder, throwing stones, destruction of public infrastructure such as roads, and setting fire to vehicle tyres.
All suspects denied the accusations and were sent to various government prisons, including Kawuga, Nakifuma, and Nakisunga, as they await their next court dates scheduled for next month.
Meanwhile, family members of the detainees have expressed anger and frustration, arguing that some of those arrested were picked up from their homes and had no involvement in the demonstrations. They accused security agencies of carrying out mass arrests without proper investigations and appealed to authorities to free innocent people.
Benard Sempaka, a councillor for Nakifuma–Nagalama Town Council, said that at least five of the detained individuals were working as polling agents for Sulaiman Kiwanuka and were arrested while transporting election declaration forms to a tallying centre.
“They were not part of any protest activity,” Sempaka emphasized.
Community leaders have also raised concerns over the impact of the arrests. Joachim Sendi, chairperson of Lweza Cell in Mukono Central Division, said the situation has caused widespread fear among residents.
He called on police to thoroughly verify suspects before detaining them and urged Members of Parliament from the National Unity Platform (NUP) to intervene by providing legal support and humanitarian assistance to the affected youths.
The unrest began last Friday in areas such as Kalagi, Seeta, Nabuti, and Wantoni, where supporters of the National Unity Platform protested, demanding that the Electoral Commission announce their candidates as winners. Security forces moved in to disperse the crowds, resulting in the large number of arrests now before the courts.
