ANTI-CORRUPTION DEMO: Key roads leading to the Parliament closed

KAMPALA, Uganda | Xinhua | The Ugandan police on Tuesday closed off several key roads leading to the country’s parliamentary building where protesters were planning to march to express their displeasure at what they call rampant corruption in the government.

Public vehicles are not allowed on these roads, which are only accessible to pedestrians who must undergo strict security checks.

Military and police personnel were seen on foot patrol along the streets while military vehicles were positioned at key roundabouts in Kampala, the capital of Uganda.

Luke Owoyesigire, the deputy spokesperson of Kampala Metropolitan Police region, said on the phone with Xinhua that the situation in the city is by far normal, although there is increased security deployment.

Activists have been mobilizing people through social media to march to the parliament Tuesday. Police have vowed to block the protests, noting that criminal elements may use it to cause disorder.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said over the weekend that foreign elements were working with the opposition to cause chaos in the country through riots, illegal demonstrations, and inconsiderate processions.

The Parliament on Monday said it is ready to receive a petition delivered by the representatives of the protesters, though it is not responsible for what would happen to the people outside parliament when they are protesting. ■