The Uganda Police Force conducted a security operation on Thursday to quell ongoing protests against the arrest of opposition leader Bobi Wine. According to the official press release, police arrested 40 suspects for inciting violence, including lawmaker Matovu Charles. The Ugandan police allegedly discovered red berets, handheld megaphone speakers and some t-shirts to be used in the procession to “incite violence.” However, Wine, the leader of the the Ugandan major opposition party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), suggested that over 300 people were detained during the operation.

On Thursday, Wine returned to Uganda after the end of his trip to diaspora engagements and pro-democracy leaders roundtable discussion in Johannesburg, South Africa. Wine’s supporters organized a procession for Wine’s arrival, starting from Entebbe International Airport and proceeding through several areas in Uganda. However, Ugandan authorities arrested and placed Wine under house arrest upon his arrival. The Ugandan police also fired teargas and live bullets to disperse his supporters near his home. The Ugandan police disputes this story, however, and claims that their operation was merely to escort Wine so that he could return home safely.

Apart from Wine supporters, Reporters Without Borders has condemned police brutality against journalists for covering the return of Wine. The US Bureau of African Affairs said, “Harassment of opposition voices and of human rights abuses damage prospects for Ugandan progress and its partnership with the international community.” In addition, the US Mission Uganda also called for respect for freedom of assembly.