Security has been heightened in Mukono District after more than 300 people were produced before Mukono Magistrates Court to face charges related to last week’s protests.
The suspects, transferred from various police detention centers across the district under heavy escort, were divided into three groups, with each magistrate handling a separate batch.
They face charges including disorderly conduct, stone throwing, malicious damage to public property—including roads—and burning of vehicle tyres.
All pleaded not guilty and were remanded to government prisons, including Kawuga, Nakifuma, and Nakisunga, pending further court appearances next month.
Relatives of the detainees protested the arrests, claiming that some family members were unlawfully detained from their homes despite not participating in the protests.
They accused police of indiscriminately arresting innocent people and called on the government to release their relatives.
Benard Sempaka, Nakifuma–Nagalama Town Council councillor, stated that at least five detainees were polling agents for Sulaiman Kiwanuka, arrested while delivering declaration forms to a tally centre.
“These individuals did not take part in any protest,” Sempaka said.
Joachim Sendi, chairman of Lweza Cell in Mukono Central Division, noted that the arrests have created fear and anxiety in local communities.
He urged police to verify individuals carefully before making arrests and appealed to NUP Members of Parliament to advocate for the detained youths, many of whom need legal and humanitarian assistance.
The protests erupted last Friday in several parts of Mukono District—including Kalagi, Seeta, Nabuti, and Wantoni—where NUP supporters demanded that their candidates be declared winners by the Electoral Commission. Security forces intervened to disperse demonstrators, leading to the wave of arrests.
