Peaceful protests turn violent in Uganda's capital

Led by opposition leader Kizza Besigye, protests have been rife in the Ugandan capital Kampala over the past three weeks. Besigye lost his third presidential race against current President Yoweri Museveni in February. Since then he has been arrested on more than one occasion and is currently hospitalized in Nairobi, Kenya, after being attacked with pepper spray by police forces during a protest. Before he could get medical attention, however, he was taken into custody by police forces. This latest arrest caused crowds to protest further. The police responded by firing bullet and tear gas into the crowd, killing two and injuring 90. The UN has urged the Ugandan government to restrain their excessive use of force, but these reprimanding words have had no effect thus far. President Museveni claims Besigye sustained his injuries after provoking the police with initial attacks. This Besigye adamently denies, claiming his protests have always been peaceful. He also maintains that he will continue to protest. Police forces have reportedly fired tear gas into civilian homes, schools, and health centers. If things don't get under control soon, these protests that started by complaining about food and oil prices may escalate into anti-government tendencies.

-Abbey Smith