More than 50 anti-graft protesters charged, remanded to prison in Uganda

By Hamza Kyeyune

KAMPALA, Uganda (AA) - More than 50 anti-graft protesters were remanded to prison for marching in the middle of the street while carrying placards -- an act "not authorized by law," a lawyers group said Wednesday.

Police charged the protestors for being a "common nuisance, idle and disorderly," according to the Uganda Law Society, which condemned the arrest of peaceful protestors Tuesday.

Uganda Law Society President Bernard Oundo expressed concern about security agencies arresting individuals who were peacefully exercising their constitutional right to hold their leaders accountable through peaceful protests.

"This was a rushed trial, one hearing saw 50 people charged," he said.

Oundo said protestors were arrested and taken to court in a "very short time and remanded to prison without securing them bail. We will ensure these people receive justice."

Police arrested several protesters in Kampala amid anti-corruption rallies.

The march to parliament was banned by police who said authorities would "not allow a demonstration that will risk peace and security of the country."