Statement by Mark Toner, Acting Deputy Spokesman

Ugandan Opposition Leaders Arrested for "Walk-to-Work" Protest

We are concerned by today's arrest of former opposition presidential candidates Kizza Besigye, Norbert Mao, and other opposition leaders for participating in a walk-to-work protest over rising prices in Uganda.  Freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly are fundamental human rights and a critical component of functioning democracies.  We call on the Ugandan government to respect the opposition's right to express its viewpoints and citizens’ rights to demonstrate peacefully and without fear of intimidation.