Three semi-naked women were arrested by Ugandan police in Kampala on Monday during a protest against corruption. The women, part of a civil society group known as “Uganda Freedom Activists,” were detained as they marched towards Parliament with anti-corruption messages painted on their bodies.
Chanting slogans like “Save the women, save the children, save the future and end corruption,” the women also carried placards highlighting the country’s ongoing struggle with corruption. One placard read, “Uganda is not poor, they are stealing our wealth,” while another referenced the tragic Kiteezi landslide in August that claimed several lives.
Among those arrested was law student Praise Aloikin Opoloje, who previously participated in youth-led anti-government protests in July. The women are currently being held at Kampala Central Police Station, but their charges remain unclear.
Corruption remains a significant issue in Uganda, ranking 141 out of 180 on Transparency International’s corruption index. Earlier this year, sanctions were imposed on several Ugandan officials, including parliamentary speaker Anita Among, over corruption allegations. One of the protesters had “Anita resign” written down her legs, continuing the call for the speaker’s resignation.