Three anti-corruption activists were remanded to Luzira prison in Kampala after conducting a nude protest at Parliament, demanding the resignation of Speaker Anita Among. Norah Kobusingye, Praise Aloikin Opoloje, and Kemitoma Kyenzibo were charged with being a common nuisance and denied bail due to lack of substantial sureties. Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayiizi set the next hearing for September 12, refusing to adjourn the case the following day as requested.
The activists, part of the ‘Uganda Freedom Activists’, painted anti-corruption messages on their bodies, criticized the government’s response to the Kiteezi landfill disaster, and called for accountability from lawmakers. The protest movement has gained momentum in response to allegations of corruption against Speaker Among and her deputy, Thomas Tayebwa. The activists drew inspiration from Gen Z-led protests in Kenya and condemned unchecked misuse of public resources by corrupt officials.
The activists’ symbolic nude protest aims to denounce corruption and demand accountability from government officials, despite facing suppression from security forces. The protest also highlights the government’s slow response to disasters like the Kiteezi landfill collapse.