Many journalists and social media influencers have been detained by Kabale police last night on suspicion of involvement in today’s ‘March to Umeme’ demonstration.
Social media influencers Charlotte Murungi Kemigisha and Precious Tumuranze, as well as journalists Job Namanya of Vison Group and Obed Kakiiriho of Source UG online and Daily Monitor, are among those who have been jailed.
Kabale locals are seeking answers for the on-going power outages in the area, claiming they have had enough of Umeme, the district’s electricity distributor, and are at their wits’ end.
The arrests took place at Cafe Barista, a popular hangout in Kabale town, around 11.40pm.
Mr Andrew Akanyijuka, the OC at Kabale Police Station, led the operation, presenting a warrant of arrest that cited charges of inciting violence.
The group is currently being detained at Kabale Police Station.
Residents have expressed growing frustration with Umeme’s inconsistent power supply, which the calm has had a detrimental impact on services and live hoods in the area.
The planned march aims to hold Umeme accountable and demand for reliable electricity services for the community.
Kabale Resident District Commissioner Godfrey Nyakahuma told our reporter that the arrest was unfortunate and uncalled since there are no links of the arrested individuals with the protest.
