Ugandan police arrest protesters as anti-graft demonstrations begin

KAMPALA, Uganda

Uganda police arrested several protesters in Kampala on Tuesday as anti-corruption rallies began.

The march to parliament was banned by police who said authorities would "not allow a demonstration that will risk peace and security of the country."

Several lawyers responded to police and said peaceful protests are provided for in the Constitution.

The presence of heavy police and other agencies remain in several areas of the city with several roads blocked.

Graft is an issue in Uganda, with several major scandals involving public officials.

Young people and activists have vowed to march for an unspecified number of days until their message is delivered.

They have listed key demands including the resignation of the Parliament Speaker Anite Among, whom the US and Britain sanctioned for alleged corruption; the resignation of four backbench commissioners implicated in a multimillion corruption scandal; a reduction of the size of parliament from 529 MPs to a reasonably number and have lawmakers allowances reduced, among others.

The march comes on the same day parliament is expected to resume business after a four-week break.