Police in Kampala have detained 14 people accused of taking part in a street protest against the proposed removal of presidential age limits.
The group, which identifies itself as the White Angels, was intercepted after moving through parts of the city distributing leaflets and using loudspeakers to urge residents to reject the constitutional amendment.
Their campaign targeted a private member’s bill before Parliament seeking to alter Article 102(b) of the Constitution, the clause that currently bars anyone above 75 from contesting for president. The proposal has drawn attention because it would clear the way for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to remain eligible for future elections beyond the current age ceiling. The bill is said to have attracted at least 271 signatures from MPs.
Authorities say the group had been mounting public mobilisation against the amendment in different parts of Kampala, with the latest activity ending around Old Taxi Park in the city centre.
Among those detained was Kalibakya Mary, who said Ugandans should resist pressure from the government and continue demanding democracy and respect for their rights. She insisted the arrests would not stop their campaign.
Kampala Metropolitan Police said the arrests were made to avert possible disorder and protect public safety. But rights defenders argue the group was simply exercising constitutional freedoms and that the detentions amount to an attack on democratic expression.
In a related incident, Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana was also arrested after reportedly going to Central Police Station to check on the detained youths.
Police spokesperson Siraje Bakaleke did not give a detailed comment on the matter, but confirmed that by evening, the 14 suspects, including the legislator, were still being held.
