Pigs Smuggled into Ugandan Parliament
The two pigs were daubed in slogans and paint in the colour of the ruling party.

Two piglets are being tested for "terrorism related material" after they were smuggled into the Ugandan parliament by two anti-corruption protesters.

The animals were painted in the colours of the ruling party of President Yoweri Museveni. Slogans daubed on the piglets including the word "MPigs," accused MPs of corruption.

The country is on high alert amid fears of attacks by Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab insurgents and investigators are said to be taking no chances with the piglets.

Police deputy spokesman Polly Namaye said: "The investigators are to test the animals for terrorism related material. You never know, there could have been another motive other than a protest. This is a standard practice in investigations, leaving out no chances.

"In this era, every option must be explored. What is seen as a protest can be different, including terrorism, that's why these tests must be done to ensure there is not any other motive by these protesters," she added.

Robert Mayanja and Norman Tumuhimbise are accused of sneaking the animals into the tightly guarded parliament. They are both believed to be members of a protest movement calling themselves the "jobless brotherhood group".

Relatives of the two protesters said they have been held in prison awaiting trial on three charges of "criminal trespass, conspiracy to sneak piglets into parliament and interrupting parliament work".

Despite concerns that the piglets are part of a possible act of terrorism, it is thought that the unemployed men were protesting at corruption and extravagant spending by lawmakers.

Uganda has been the focus of criticism from foreign donors over allegations of rampant corruption. Earlier this year, it emerged that MP's had demanded a massive raise in their salaries, already 60 times higher than most state employees.

Meanwhile, seven police officers who were on duty outside parliament have been suspended over the security breach, and held on charges of neglect of duty.

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