By Vision Reporters

Police in Mbarara have detained 18 Forum for democratic Change (FDC) Party youth on allegations of inciting violence, assault, obstructing traffic and participating in unlawful assembly.

Police said 12 people were arrested on Tuesday while six others were arrested between September 30 and October 2, were trying to incite violence and calling the public to boycott Independence celebrations.

Polly Namaye, the South-Western region Police Spokesperson, said those arrested on Tuesday were picked from the town centre carrying a black flag and inciting public to join them in mourning for the country as the national Jubilee celebrations were going at Kololo in Kampala.

The suspects include Stanley Katembeya, the district FDC party chairperson, Israel Kazooba Tukwatanise, former MP candidate for Rwampara County,   Robert Singura Rwomushojwa, a former LC3 councilor candidate at Kakoba Division, John Timbyetaho, an FDC mobilizer, Innocent Mugisha, Alex Byomuhangi, Joshua Twinomujuni, Bruce Byarugaba, Isreal Tumwine, Alex Tukamuhebwa and Gaddafi Mpagi and his brother Abdulkalim Mpagi.

Suspects arrested earlier include, James Arinaitwe, Richard Katsigazi, Michael Mayanja, Yasin Matsiko, Moses Muwonge and Hitler Kamanyisa all residents of Mbarara.

They on Friday appeared before grade one magistrate, Gordon Muhimbise at Mbarara court and charged with inciting violence and participation in unlawful assembly.

However, they denied the charge on grounds that they did not understand the charges against them and were remanded till Thursday, October 11.