Kampala, Uganda – (African Boulevard News) – A group of eleven female lawmakers in Uganda were arrested by police during a protest against alleged violations of women’s rights and threats to their safety. The legislators had taken to the streets on Thursday in protest.
According to the lawmakers, the government’s failure to address issues of gender-based violence, including rape and sexual harassment, is a violation of women’s rights and a threat to their lives. The protest was also aimed at demanding accountability from authorities for the rising cases of violence against women in the country.
The demonstration, which took place in the capital city of Kampala, attracted a large crowd of supporters, including civil society activists and members of the public. However, the peaceful protest soon turned violent when police arrived on the scene.
Eyewitnesses report that the police used batons and tear gas to disperse the protesters, resulting in several injuries. The police also detained eleven female lawmakers, who were later released on bail.
The incident has caused outrage among human rights activists and women’s rights advocates, who have accused the government of using excessive force to suppress dissent and silence voices of opposition.
“The arrests of these female lawmakers is a blatant violation of their rights to peaceful assembly and free speech,” said a spokesperson for a local human rights organization. “It sends a chilling message to all those who dare to speak truth to power.”
The government, however, has defended its actions, stating that the protesters had not obtained the necessary permits to hold the demonstration and that the police had acted within the law.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the issue of gender-based violence in Uganda, where women continue to face widespread discrimination and violence. Human rights activists are calling on the government to take urgent action to address these issues and to ensure that the rights of women are protected.
In conclusion, the arrest of the female lawmakers during the protest is a stark reminder of the challenges facing women in Uganda. It highlights the urgent need for the government to address the issue of gender-based violence and to ensure that the rights of women are protected. The incident has sparked a national conversation on the issue, and it is hoped that it will lead to action and change.
