Hon. Shamim Malende Arrested Upon Return to Uganda, Police Cites Public Order Violations

 Kampala, Uganda – July 21, 2025 

Ugandan police have arrested Hon. Shamim Malende, a prominent opposition figure and lawyer affiliated with the National Unity Platform (NUP), shortly after her arrival from Kenya earlier today. Malende, who had been receiving medical treatment at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, was welcomed by a large crowd of supporters in Kampala’s Central Business District—a gathering that quickly drew the attention of law enforcement.

According to eyewitness reports, the crowd accompanied Malende as she passed through downtown Kampala, waving banners and chanting slogans in solidarity. However, police swiftly intervened and blocked the group from proceeding further, detaining Malende along with several NUP supporters.

Authorities have cited a violation of the Public Order Management Act (POMA) as the reason for the arrest, stating that Malende failed to seek prior clearance from police for what they described as a "political rally" in a highly congested area of the city. As of this morning, her whereabouts remain unknown.

In a powerful statement captured by Reelers UG prior to her arrest, Malende declared:

“Today, I have not come back in a normal way. I have returned with a message of peaceful demonstration. I’ve cut my hair and worn a prison uniform to represent all political prisoners—those arrested without justice, and those tortured in Ugandan prisons without access to judicial services.”

She added that her symbolic appearance was a stand for human rights, calling upon all Ugandans concerned about injustice to cut their hair in solidarity with victims of political repression.

“I thank God for protecting me and bringing me back home alive,” she said, before urging continued resistance against violations of natural rights and freedom.

Her dramatic return and subsequent arrest have sparked debate online, with human rights activists and opposition members condemning the police action and demanding her immediate release. 

This arrest adds to a growing list of concerns over political freedoms and civic space in Uganda, as the country heads toward increased scrutiny from domestic watchdogs and international human rights bodies.