Activists held over graft flyers

They were later released after they explained the idea behind their activities under the Black Monday campaign.

Police yesterday held two officials of civil society organisations as they protested against the “theft of public money by corrupt leaders and officials without shame” under the Black Monday campaign.

Mr Arthur Larok, the country director of Action Aid International and Mr Leonard Okello, the executive director, Uhuru Institute, were picked up by police at Wampewo Avenue at around 8am as they distributed bulletins to residents.

Police confiscated copies of the bulletin.

Mr Wesley Nganizi, the Jinja Road Division police commander, said police had detained the activists to seek explanation from them about their activities.

“Police intervenes in any situation that involves the protection of life and property. We have not arrested them but we want details about what they were doing,” he said.

They were held for about two hours and released without recording a statement.

Mr Larok said they had explained their activities to the police officers.

“Police were not informed about what we were doing and they only picked us to explain to them what our activities are about. The officers were happy with what we are doing,” he said.

Mr Larok said the campaign was largely incident-free, especially in 10 other spots around the city where more than 1,000 bulletins were distributed.

Mr Larok added that they have written to President Museveni, the police chief, the Internal Affairs minister and the Inspectorate of Government about their campaign and the rampant corruption in the country.

War against corruption
Donning black as a symbol of mourning vices such as corruption, embezzlement and grand scale plunder of public resources, the civil society members denounced one of government’s biggest problem—corruption.

“The good news is that people are paying attention to what we are saying. It will not be long before the entire masses own up these issues. People in saloons, on the streets, taxi drivers, teachers are all listening to us and responding really well to our messages,” FOWODE Executive Director Patricia Munabi Babiiha said yesterday.

Civil Society Organisations launched the Black Monday Movement last year to protest against corruption in government ministries and agencies.

By Solomon Arinaitwe, Richard Wanambwa & Ismail Musa Ladu

editorial@ug.nationmedia.com