Uganda: Political opposition leaders call for protests across country Jan. 18 to denounce allegedly poor road conditions

Political opposition leaders, including those affiliated with the United Forces of Change coalition, have called for protests in Kampala and elsewhere across Uganda on Jan. 18 to denounce the allegedly poor state of road conditions in the country. The protest activity is slated to coincide with the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) taking place in the capital through Jan. 20. Police have vowed to disrupt any related demonstrations that materialize. Protest organizers did not immediately release specific details regarding the planned demonstrations, including any protest times or locations. The number of people that may participate in the protests was not immediately clear; however, the largest demonstrations will probably take place in urban areas, including in Kampala.

Authorities will likely maintain a heightened security presence in the capital amid the NAM summit and deploy to the sites of any demonstrations that materialize. Police will likely attempt to forcibly disperse and arrest protesters. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces are possible. Transport disruptions are likely in areas that are subject to protest activity. Localized business disruptions cannot be ruled out.