By Francis Emorut

KAMPALA - Anti-corruption activists protested the arrest of retired Bishop Zac Niringiye and eight others saying they were not distributing harmful propaganda leaflets.

Niringiye the former head of Kampala Archdiocese and the executive director of Uganda Youth Network (UYONET), Emmanuel Kitamirike were held with seven others by the Police at Makerere University on Monday.

They were distributing pamphlets that highlight billions of shillings Government has lost to corruption.

However, they were released on police bond and Niringiye was asked to report back to Police on February 14, while the others on February 11.

The anti- corruption crusaders highlighted the corruption scandals that have rocked the country.

“The Police high-handedness in arresting the Bishop and other volunteers was not necessary because they were not inciting violence but only fighting corruption,” Richard Ssewakiryanga, the executive director of the national NGO Forum said.

Flanked by the executive director of Anti-corruption Coalition of Uganda (ACCU), Cissy Agaba, Ssewakiryanga said the activists were only creating awareness among Ugandans to demand the recovery of billions of shillings stolen by some corrupt government officials.

He made the remarks during a press briefing at the coalition offices in Kamwokya, Kampala on Monday.

He said the activists were ready to meet the Police heads in Kampala over their activities regarding Black Monday.

Civil society organisations have declared every Monday as Black Monday – a symbol to mourn over billions of shillings lost to corruption.

They demand that Government acts on the corrupt officials and recover the stolen money.