Activists Stage Mannequin Protest Demanding Release of Political Prisoners

A group of activists have staged a mannequin protest in Kampala demanding the release of political prisoners.  

The protesters placed the mannequins holding various messages at Buganda Road demanding the release of Dr. Kizza Besigye and other political prisoners. 

Led by Aloikin Praise Opoloje, the activists also had megaphones which were playing messages calling for their freedom, while chanting “Free Political Prisoners.

Police officers from Central Police Station responded by collecting the mannequins and loading them onto patrol vehicles, but no arrests were made.   

Opoloje said some of the mannequins were placed outside the Supreme Court, which ruled in February that civilians shouldn’t be prosecuted by the General Court Martial. She says that the court has remained silent without pressuring the government to enforce its ruling.

"The Supreme Court has been silent since its ruling. They must ensure the government enforces it, but they've seemingly washed their hands of the matter. That's why we're protesting and we'll keep doing so until our demands are met." Aloikin said.  

She explained that several colleagues, including TikTokers and human rights activists, opposition politicians such as Dr Kiiza Besigye and his co-accused Hajji Obedi Lutale who were prosecuted through the court martial and remains on remand.

//Cue in: “twagana political prisoners…

Cue out: …Governement eno.” //      

She added that they will continue with various creative forms of protests until the government releases political prisoners.  "We have been arrested and detained at Luzira before for protesting, including during the Genz protest in 2024 and our nude protest. This time, we have chosen more tactical yet peaceful methods to fight for our freedom. Be assured, more creative protests are on the horizon, and we're going to make sure this government doesn't sleep easily."Aloikin.