Lira anti-corruption demonstration: activists in detention speak 

Lira |The Uganda Police Force is currently holding three individuals who identify as Citizens of Uganda for what it describes as “staging illegal demonstrations in Lira City.” 

Under the command of DPC Lira City Central Police Station, these citizens turned activists were arrested Tuesday morning in Lira City’s main street (Obote Avenue).

Moses Mawa, Denis Obich, Alexis Awio, and an unidentified third person have all been arrested.

Their arrest occurred after they had only moved less than 100 metres from the Citadel Tower, where they began the demonstration.

Mawa, Obich, and Auma Tamali had notified the Regional Police Commander (RPC) of a planned peaceful demonstration against corruption in the country via letter dated September 16, 2024.

Also read: Anti-corruption demo planned for Tuesday in Lira City

Speaking to the media after their arrest, Obich stated that the demonstration was the only way to alert the government to the cost of corruption to the country and people’s livelihoods.

He claimed that none of the government’s wealth creation programs have produced results due to corruption, citing Youth Livelihoods, UWEP, and now PDM.

At worst, he claimed that the government hospitals lack drugs and have limited human resources. Schools are operating in dilapidated buildings with few teachers, he stated.

Mawa expressed his dissatisfaction with Uganda’s Parliament, claiming that it has become a breeding ground for corruption.

He stated that as a responsible citizen, he wants to tell the government to get out of their comfort zone and start dealing with the corrupt without favoritism.

Mawa stated that they had notified the police and the Office of the Resident City Commissioner, Lira.

He stated that the RCC office had received a copy of their letter, so there was no need for police to arrest them.

Mawa urged the public not to be afraid to speak out about the harm caused by corruption in this country. He argued that some of the reported cases are not treated as tangible contributions to society’s well-being.

SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, the North Kyoga Region Police PRO, told tndNews that, while the law allows them to demonstrate, they did not follow the necessary procedures.

He stated that the Obichs were supposed to write to the IGP expressing their desire to hold a peaceful demonstration against corruption.

By Felix Omara.