In Uganda, 11 female opposition parliamentarians were arrested during a demonstration over alleged police violence.
The politicians walked to the streets on Thursday to protest what they term a breach of women’s rights and a threat to their life, which they claim also violates the Constitution.
As the MPs attempted to make their way to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, scuffles occurred between them and police.
“Susan Mugabi was beaten and tear-gassed,” she said. “There were bullets fired. Her sister was beaten, and fondled by police officers. Almost undressed her. Her mother was also arrested ahead of the celebrations. Her father was locked in the house. So, all these violations.” One of the lawmakers, Joyce Bagala, detailed some of the women’s grievances.
Police authorities were not immediately available for comment, according to local media sources. They were meeting with the Speaker of Parliament in the central police station where the legislators were detained.
Female opposition legislators are requesting that parliament and the interior ministry recognize that security officials’ conduct in preventing Women’s Day festivities were unconstitutional, unreasonable, and an affront to the right to associate and assemble.
