Police on Tuesday, July 11th, 2023, foiled a demonstration by the opposition Forum for Democratic Change party supporters in downtown Kampala against the implementation of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline Project (EACOP).
A source said some four opposition supporters armed with placards bearing writings like #STOP EACOP, #Stanbic Bank Don’t Finance EACOP, and Financing EACOP is financing Environmental Degradation were arrested by the police.
They were later detained at the Kampala Central Police Station.
Kampala Metropolitan police Spokesperson, Patrick Onyango identified the activists as Bob Barigye, Phiona Nalusabba, Zarika Mutesiand Shamim Nalyadda.
He said the suspects will be charged with illegal protest and inciting violence.
“A few minutes ago, our four activists were violently arrested and are currently detained at Kampala Central Police Station. Nonetheless, pressure must be maintained because this is the perfect time for Ugandans to set their agenda and have a say in the decision-making process of their country. Bravo! The NRM/M7 regime fears defiance,” said a statement issued by the FDC party authority.
The demonstrators, mostly opposition youth aligned with the FDC party, were protesting against the EACOP project, demanding banks stop funding it.
They claim the oil venture will escalate environmental devastation and human rights violations in Uganda. The protest happened.
The police have yet to issue an official statement regarding the demonstration in Kampala.