Seven activists, including human rights lawyer Agather Atuhaire, were detained by Uganda police during a protest against the imprisonment of another lawyer linked to opposition leader Kizza Besigye. The protest reflects growing unrest surrounding Besigye’s controversial military trial, raising concerns over civil liberties in Uganda.

On Thursday, Uganda police apprehended seven activists, including renowned human rights attorney Agather Atuhaire, during a demonstration against the detention of another lawyer associated with high-profile opposition figure Kizza Besigye. The protest took place in Kampala, with activists marching towards the high court bearing slogans against governmental abuse of power. Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed that the detainees are facing charges of “being a common nuisance” amid rising tensions surrounding Besigye’s military trial that has evoked widespread international condemnation.

The current political climate in Uganda has been marked by unrest and dissent, particularly against the backdrop of Kizza Besigye’s military trial. Besigye, a veteran opposition figure and retired army colonel, has been accused of various offenses, including possession of illegal weapons, which has raised eyebrows both locally and internationally. Activism against the Ugandan government has been propelled by larger regional movements, notably anti-corruption protests inspired by similar events in Kenya.

The detention of activists, including a prominent human rights lawyer, underscores the escalating tensions in Uganda’s political landscape, particularly surrounding the military trial of opposition leader Kizza Besigye. Rights groups are concerned about the implications for civil liberties and the continuing pattern of governmental suppression of dissent. As activists rally against perceived abuses of power, the response from Ugandan authorities suggests a tightening grip on political expression.

Original Source: www.barrons.com