Kampala police have detained 14 people following a city protest against the proposed removal of the presidential age limit.
The group, which identifies itself as the White Angels, had been moving through several streets in the capital distributing leaflets and chanting messages against the constitutional change. Using loudspeakers, they called on Ugandans to reject the amendment and defend democratic rule.
Their protest comes amid debate over a private member’s bill seeking to alter Article 102(b) of the Constitution, which currently bars anyone above 75 years from contesting for the presidency. If the proposal passes, it would clear the way for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to continue seeking office beyond the current limit. Museveni, who has ruled since 1986, is still within the age bracket for now, but removing the cap would open the door for future bids without age restrictions.
Police say the group had been actively mobilising against the bill and had extended its campaign into busy public areas, including the Old Taxi Park area in central Kampala. Officers said the arrests were meant to prevent disorder and protect public safety.
One of those detained, Mary Kalibakya, urged Ugandans not to bow to government pressure, saying citizens should continue demanding democracy and defending their rights. She said arrests would not stop their campaign.
Rights defenders, however, argue that the group was simply exercising its constitutional freedoms and say the detentions amount to an attack on free expression.
In a related incident, Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana was also arrested after reportedly going to Central Police Station to check on those already in custody.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Siraje Bakaleke had not given a detailed statement by press time, but confirmed that all 14 suspects, including the legislator, were still being held in custody by evening.
