Tensions Rise in Kampala as Government Deploys Military to Thwart Youth Protests

Ugandan authorities have deployed military and police around parliament and central Kampala to deter a planned protest by young people against the government. Roads to parliament are blocked, creating difficulties for nearby businesses. The youth-led protest aims to address corruption and human rights abuses under President Yoweri Museveni's administration.

Authorities in Uganda deployed military and police on Tuesday around parliament and the centre of Kampala, aiming to deter a protest against the government planned by young people, a Reuters witness said. NTV Uganda television broadcast images of military armoured personnel carriers patrolling the streets around parliament after police banned the protest, citing intelligence that criminally-minded youth might hijack it to loot and vandalise.

Security officials blocked all roads to parliament, limiting access to only lawmakers and parliamentary staff, creating difficulties for local businesses. "It's like a war zone," said Edwin Mugisha, who works in Kampala, describing the patrols around parliament and other roads.

Young people have planned a march on parliament to protest corruption and human rights abuses by the government of President Yoweri Museveni. Police also sealed off the offices of the biggest opposition party on Monday, accusing it of mobilizing for the protests and detained some of its officials, including lawmakers. The party denied organizing the march, but expressed support for it.