ANTI-CORRUPTION DEMO: Lawyers blocked from accessing police stations

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | A section of members of Uganda Law  Society, an umbrella body that brings together all the lawyers in the country, has been blocked from accessing the Central Police Station in Kampala.

The lawyers who were led by the ULS President Bernard Oundo were blocked from the main entrance by police officers Manning security on grounds that there were other lawyers who had already been given access to the premises.

The lawyers say they have been in Wandegeya, Kabalagala and Makindye police stations but they have not been allowed access despite having started at 10am to go looking for some of their clients. They say dozens of their clients have been arrested in relation to the ongoing protest against Corruption in the country and are being held in various police custody in town.

Whereas they say they don’t know the exact number of people who have been arrested, they contend that every citizen has a right to legal representation.

Phillip Munaabi  the ULS Board Member in Charge of  Healthcare and Benevolent Fund said this is a deliberate move by the state actors as they have been blocked in many places despite seeing trucks ferrying in suspects from many places.

Munaabi says if the protestors are demanding for the resignation of one person, then that person  should resign so as to restore normalcy.

Lawyer  Ronald Samuel Wanda  says that they wanted only five lawyers inside but the number of people arrested is more and therefore calls for more lawyers to beef up.

They have vowed to remain around even though they are being tossed.

ULS President Bernard Oundo said they want to continue negotiating so as to be allowed to access CPS.

Most of the lawyers gathered outside Buganda Road Court and the Military Police was seen entering shops of various traders along the street to check for what would be interpreted as possible protestors hiding or planning something from inside the shops.

The blocking of the lawyers comes shortly after several citizens mobilized each other on various platforms so as to participate in anti corruption protests.

Most of the protestors seen in town by our reporter held placards demanding for the resignation of Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Anita Annet Among over allegations of corruption.

Three  NUP MPs and  six  other KCCA politicians have since spent a night in jail over charges that arise from the events that preceeded the protest.

Lawyer  Ronald Samuel Wanda  says that they wanted only five lawyers inside but the number of people arrested is more and therefore calls for more lawyers to beef up.

Clad in suits and ties, the legal fraternity has  vowed to remain  even though they are being tossed around.

ULS President Bernard Oundo said they want to continue negotiating so as to be allowed to access CPS.

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