Kampala – Ugandan police fired tear gas and arrested at least a dozen protesters on Monday after demonstrations against steep food and fuel price increases in the East African nation turned violent.
The country of 45 million is reeling from a pandemic-spurred economic slump, a situation exacerbated by Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Food price inflation more than doubled to 13.1 percent in May, according to the latest government figures.
On Monday, protesters burnt used tyres and blocked a busy highway in Jinja, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) east of the capital Kampala, demanding the government subsidise dietary staples.
“Police used some minimal force including teargas to disperse the protesters,” area police spokesman James Mubi told AFP.
“Eight of the ring leaders were arrested,” he said, adding that they will be charged on Tuesday with inciting violence.
The protesters had forced motorists to join them to call for change, witnesses told AFP.
“We do support such protests. Government must act. People are sleeping hungry,” 28-year-old spare parts dealer Solomon Wandibwa said.
Prices of fuel, food and other basic goods have rocketed globally because of the Ukraine war, hitting vulnerable countries in Africa and elsewhere.
In Uganda, petrol is selling for 7 000 shillings ($1.85) a litre, a two-fold increase since February. In some remote parts of the country, petrol stations are selling a litre of fuel as high as 10 000 shillings.
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As discontent continues to grow over the rising prices, President Yoweri Museveni has repeatedly ignored calls for tax cuts and subsidies, urging citizens to live frugally instead.
In his annual state of the nation address in June, Museveni said, “Cutting taxes and subsidies, especially on imports, is suicidal because our people may buy carelessly and we end up draining our forex (foreign exchange) reserves.”
Former Ugandan presidential candidate Kizza Besigye was charged last month with inciting violence for leading protests against inflation which has hit Uganda hard.
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Source: AFP
Picture: Pixabay
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