Six FDC youth freed on police bond, probe continues

By Eddie Ssejjoba

The police have released six supporters of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) who had been arrested for disobeying lawful orders.

The commander of Kampala Metropolitan Police, Andrew Kaweesi ordered that the youth be given bond after recording their statements. They were told to report back on April 25.

Kaweesi said investigations into their case would continue but the police had preferred charges of disobeying lawful orders against them. He said the suspects were on Monday blocked from accessing the police station but insisted and wanted to force their way in.

They include Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu, Julius Nuwagaba, Martin Byomuhangi, Nasser Mubonde, Ismael Kasule and Owar Moses.

The spokesman for Kampala Metropolitan Police, Idd Ssenkumbi said the police arrested the youth after they suspected their motive when they tried to force themselves inside the police station.

He said though they had been released, the police would continue to investigate their activities.

As a result, security around police units in Kampala and neighborhoods has been beefed up following information that some people were mobilizing to attack and torch police units to cause destruction.

He warned that the police were on high alert and ready to engage anyone who would dare attack any location.

Ssenkumbi however said people would continue to access the units but will have to be screened and anyone with suspicious motives will be blocked.

Several journalists, including Bukedde Radio reporter, Godfrey Kigobero were denied access to the Central Police Station.

Byomuhangi, one of the FDC suspects and national mobilizing secretary for the youth league said after their release, they went back  to CPS to register their complaints for unfair arrests and detention of their colleagues.

He said nine FDC youth were recently arrested on allegations that they were involved in the murder of a police officer, John Bosco Ariong but wondered why they could not be released after arresting the prime suspect.

“Though we have been arrested, we shall come back until the police stop unfair arrests and mistreatment of our colleagues,” he vowed.