The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Police have arrested 47 students from different Universities in a foiled Anti-EACOP protest. They were marching to Parliament and NEMA.
The protestors, from Kyambogo, Makerere and Kampala International Universities, who had gathered at Wampewo Avenue, were surrounded before marching to parliament this afternoon.
These, carrying placards and wearing t-shirts with protest messages, were reportedly marching to Parliament to submit a petition calling for the immediate halt of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project’s construction
Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, said the suspects were surrounded, before boarding the three taxis that were supposed to drop them at Parliament and others at NEMA offices.
He said the suspects have been charged with inciting violence and unlawful assembly and are currently detained at Jinja Road Police Station.
Some of the Protesters called upon the government and all stakeholders involved in the controversial project, to stop it. They claim the oil venture will escalate environmental devastation and human rights violations in Uganda.
The protesters chanted, “We’re heading to Parliament to submit our petition,” adding that Ugandans reject the EACOP project and demand its cancellation. They continued chanting in a Police van.
Last week, a group of seven people including a Belgian activist were arrested outside the Chinese embassy with a petition urging the Chinese government to withdraw support for the China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC), one of the primary funders of the EACOP project.
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