Police release Lukwago, Besigye

By Shamim Saad

KAMPALA - Police released opposition politicians Dr. Kizza Besigye and embattled Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago in Kampala at around midnight on Thursday, sources say.

Lukwago said they were arrested but not charged with any case, adding that “I was held like a bird and locked up.”

The two were detained on Thursday from different points of the city at around 10.00am local time (EAT), together with other politicians as they tried to hold a meeting at the JEEMA office in Kampala.

Police had denied Lukwago permission to hold the meeting, but the outspoken politician vowed not to relent.

He insisted he would go ahead and convene the meeting, which police had feared would trigger needless chaos in the city.

Rubaga North MP, Moses Kasibante and city councilor, Allan Ssewanyana were also arrested.

Besigye, a former FDC president, was arrested at Miniprice in downtown Kampala while Lukwago, Kasibante and Ssewanyana were arrested in Mengo, a city suburb.

Besigye and his driver were driven to Central Police Station in Kampala where they remained under detention until their reported release early Friday.

The other three were held at Kira Road police station.

Police had said they would release the former FDC leader after calm had returned in the city.