Scuffle, Drama as Police Arrest 11 Female MPs Outside Parliament

There was drama in front of the Parliament of Uganda on Thursday morning as police arrested Opposition Women MPs who were marching to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to protest harassment by security forces.

A scuffle ensued outside the August House police intercepted them.

The eleven women MPs vehemently resisted being dragged into a police van to no avail.  

The female lawmakers accuse the police and other security agencies of frustrating the activities of opposition leaders, especially rallies.

“Country men and women, this is how police have arrested and treated at least 11 female Opposition MPs outside the Parliament of Uganda. We should all condemn it,” said Allan Mayanja Sebunya, the MP of Nakaseke Central County.

He added: “The MPs were planning to hold a peaceful demonstration today, marching from Parliament to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to deliver a petition against police and army which often frustrate their activities.”

Despite the protests, the MPs were bundled into a police van and driven away.

An event organised by female opposition FDC party MPs Joan Alobo and Anna Adeke Ebaju on April 14 in Soroti City to celebrate International Women’s Day was blocked by the police.

A week after, Buvuma lawmaker, Suzan Nakaziba Mugabi, and four other Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) party members were arrested on April 21 at Kyanja Village, Bwema Sub County in Buvuma District.

Police dispersed a crowd that had gathered for the district’s belated Women’s Day celebrations saying they had not sought police clearance.

MP Mugabi was injured in an alleged assault by the police and army operatives.

Following the incident, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Martins Okoth Ochola, ordered the Professional Standards Unit (PSU) to investigate the matter.

Police spokesperson, Fred Enanga, acknowledged the use of excessive force saying the eleven officers who manhandled Mugabi and her supporters were removed from their duties and asked to report to the (PSU) headquarters for further investigations.

They are; SP Kanyesigye Jamal the D/RPC, Buvuma DPC SP Bagoole Michael, AIP Odeke Francis, CPL Wamanga David, PC Obalim, PC Turyahebwa Akim, PC Ahamize Brave, PC Olari Albert John, PC Egwel Peter Aggrey, PC Kabaheka Benson and PC Makomeli Emma Kevin.