Social media critics rise against police unlawful arrests.

By Estella Jones

A section of youths have criticized the unlawful arrests by Uganda Police in a social media campaign aimed at pursuing justice for fellow youths.

This follows the arrest on Saturday, of a group of young activists affiliated to the opposition Democratic Alliance,’ who were rounded up during a press conference they had summoned at Centenary Park.

The 7 activists had summoned a press conference to address issues revolving around the political situation in the country. Upon arrest, Andrew Karamagi, Kalema Shaban, Kennedy Oluma among others, were taken to Jinja Road police station and later transferred to Nagalama police station

The Saturday incident has since sparked fury on social networking site Twitter with the hash tag ‪#‎ImpunityUg‬.

Many young people have come out to question police’s action of arresting people for ‘no justified reason’.

A one Raymond, who initiated the harshtag tweeted; “The Uganda Police has been reduced to a small armed group that fights political opposition while part-timing at law keeping. #ImpunityUg”

The harshtag also ignited reactions towards the state of police cells which they say are in poor hygiene.

Another tweet ranted against the fact that females were detained in the same small cell with the males.

“Because bad things happen when good people do nothing. Raise awareness. #ImpunityUg” tweeted a one Jordan Kinyera.

Police at Nagalama said one of the arrested youths ‘Danny’ assaulted an officer and attempted to burn the station but Nicholas Opiyo (lawyer to the7) has denied the allegations.

Many of these are worried that that Uganda could be gravitating back to the times of lawlessness which this government fought against.

Unlike the many young people who believe social media is all about humor, personal experiences and the like, these youths trust that such campaigns can indeed steer change.

Meanwhile, the 7 have been presented at Mukono Margistrate’s court and granted bail at Ugshs. 200,000 and a non-cash bail of 5M. The case has been adjourned to July 27th.

So far, efforts are underway by youths to mobilize money amongst themselves and free the 7.

Several other social media campaigns for justice witnessed in the past include ‪#‎DeathAtPanamera‬ and‪#‎JusticeForOjok‬ who was allegedly murdered at Makerere University. The most recent one was ‪#‎FreeBesigye‬ following Kiiza Besigye’s ‘preventive arrest’ by police.