In Kampala, Uganda, authorities have detained dozens of individuals following a series of anti-corruption protests that defied an official ban. Around 60 people, including a prominent TV presenter and three young leaders of the protests, were swiftly brought to court and placed in custody after a demonstration at the parliament on Tuesday.

President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for nearly 40 years, had warned that the protesters were "playing with fire" before the event. The protests, which were organized through social media, were sparked by ongoing allegations of corruption involving high-profile public officials. They were partially inspired by recent demonstrations in Kenya, which led President William Ruto to withdraw proposed tax hikes.

Prior to the march, police had announced that they would not authorize any demonstration that could jeopardize Uganda’s "peace and security." On the day of the march, riot officers set up roadblocks, and security forces sealed off roads and guarded the parliament building. Photos from the event depicted protesters with signs reading "Stop corruption" and calling the parliament a "den of thieves." Some images also showed protesters being forcibly detained and put into police vans.

One protester, Samson Kiriya, expressed frustration, stating, "We are tired of corruption," while being arrested. Among those detained were TV and radio presenter Faiza Salima, as well as protest organizers George Victor Otieno, Kennedy Ndyamuhaki, and Aloikin Praise Opoloje.

Bernard Oundo, president of the Uganda Law Society, criticized the rapid court proceedings, noting that 50 individuals were charged in a hastily conducted trial and remanded to prison without bail. He pledged to ensure that justice is served for those detained.

On the eve of the protest, opposition leader Bobi Wine reported that security forces had surrounded the headquarters of his National Unity Platform party. He claimed that some party officials were violently arrested and that the offices had been militarized. In a statement on X, Bobi Wine praised the protesters for their bravery in the face of police and military violence and promised that legal and welfare support would be provided.

Earlier this year, the UK and US imposed sanctions on several Ugandan officials, including parliament speaker Anita Among and other ministers, over allegations of corruption.