Police withdraws from Kizza Besigye's residence

Six weeks after the recent highly contested presidential elections, police today lifted the "security precautionary measures" against Dr. Kizza Besigye which had seen him confined to his Kasangati home in Wakiso district.

The police operation which had seen cops keep a close watch of visitors to  Besigye's home had threatened to descend into a legal standoff as the former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president sought legal redress over what he averred was his illegal detention.

Besigye who was runner-up in the February 18^th polls was targeted by police for allegedly trying to foment trouble in the wake of the polls, through announcing his own results contrary to the Presidential Elections Act which bestows such powers to the Electoral Commission (EC).

"Dr. Besigye is free but under our watch. I have already ordered the DPC Kasangati to lift barricades leading to his home," Inspector General of Police, Gen. Kale Kayihura told the press at police headquarters in Naguru, a Kampala suburb.

"Following the Supreme Court's decision on the petition challenging presidential election results, we feel the legal process over this matter has come to an end. We expect everyone, including Dr. Besigye to respect the rule of law," Kayihura added.

Police has come under the spotlight for what the civil society and legal experts contend is detention without trial which flouts the constitutional provisions on right to a fair hearing.

Gen. Kale Kayihura addressing the press at the Police headquarters in Naguru. Photo by Godiver