POLICE | ACTIVIST AUMA | PROTESTS

LIRA - The Police in Lira district have arrested a group of activists who took to the streets of the city protesting the current high commodity prices that they say are hitting the community hard.

The activists carrying placards started their demonstration from around the White House Hotel and marched on the streets of Bus Park as they moved towards Obote Avenue on Wednesday May 25, 2022.

Led by Tamali Robinah Auma, the activists moved peacefully while shouting that ‘prices must fall’. (All Photos by Hudson Apunyo)

Chants

Led by Tamali Robinah Auma, the activists moved peacefully while shouting that ‘prices must fall’ as members of the community looked on, some nodding in approval.

The placards had words, ‘We can’t afford soap,' 'We need bread, not cassava,' 'Remove taxes on essential commodities.

Immediately after some of the demonstrators left, the Police arrived in two vehicles and arrested Auma together with Sam Apul, 18. 

They were whisked to Lira City East headquarters.

Letter to Police

Auma on May 19, wrote a letter to the region Police Commander (RPC) notifying him of their planned demonstration on May 24 to show their dissatisfaction and disappointment over the non-intervention from the Government on escalating prices.

Auma stated that Ugandans are faced with bearing the burden of the current high prices of essential commodities.

On May 20, RPC Anatoli Katungwensi declined to grant permission for the demonstration through a letter.

He stated that President Yoweri Museveni was to address the nation over the matter.

By the time of filing this report, the two were still being held in Police cells at Lira Central Police Station, now the headquarters of Lira City East Division.