Drama as police arrest female MPs protesting harassment
What you need to know:
- The MPs who appeared to object their arrests were seen repressed as police piled them through the entrance of the van.
There was drama near Parliament on Thursday as police arrested about 11 female opposition legislators who aimed to lead a peaceful demonstration to a government office.
How it started
The Members of Parliament were planning to hold a peaceful march on April 27, 2023, moving from Parliament to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to deliver a petition against police and other security agencies which often frustrate dissident activities, including rallies.
Security officials, mostly female police, circled the protesting lawmakers and blocked their moves before viciously rounded up the group, and later throwing them on waiting police vehicles. The cars included a patrol and van.
Police arrest Jinja City MP Manjeeri Kyebakutika during a peaceful march to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to deliver a petition against harassment by security forces, near Parliament on April 27, 2023. PHOTO/DAVID LUBOWA.
The MPs who appeared to object their arrests were seen repressed as police piled them through the entrance of the van.
By press time, police had not issued a statement on the women MPs' march.
The MPs who participated in the demo are:
Joyce Bagala- MP Mityana
Florence Kabugho- MP Kasese
Betty Ethel Naluyima- MP Wakiso
Joan Acom Alobo- MP Soroti City
Asinansi Nyakato- MP Hoima city
Hellen Nakimuli- MP Kalagala
Joan Namutawe-MP Masaka
Juliet Kakande- MP Masaka City
Hanifa Nabukeera- MP Mukono
Stella Apolot- MP Ngora
Manjeeri Kyebakutika- MP Jinja City
