This Article is From Aug 05, 2014

Arrests after Uganda Coffin Protest 'Mourning' Unemployment

Arrests after Uganda Coffin Protest 'Mourning' Unemployment
Kampala: Ugandan police said they had arrested 12 youths on Monday carrying a coffin "mourning" their unemployment, from the same group who in June sneaked piglets into parliament protesting corruption.

The dozen youths, members of a protest movement calling themselves the "jobless brotherhood group", carried the empty coffin and banners in the capital Kampala.

"We have arrested the 12 youth and confiscated a coffin, which they were carrying allegedly as a sign of mourning for lack of jobs," Ugandan police spokesman Patrick Onyango said.

Police said the youths would be charged with "illegal assembly".

Eyewitness Geoffrey Tindyegi said the youths had also carried signs saying they were "mourning for our country, over corruption and unemployment."

Uganda has been the subject of frequent criticism from foreign donors over allegations of rampant corruption, although protests in the country are rare.

The two men charged in connection with the piglet protest were released on bail last month.

Officials said the protestors had painted the animals in the colours of the ruling party of President Yoweri Museveni, one of Africa's longest serving leaders. They had stuck insulting slogans against MPs on the animals, including the word "MPigs".

The men faced three charges including interrupting parliamentary activities, criminal trespass and conspiracy to sneak piglets into parliament, charges they deny.
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