Lukwago, Besigye arrested in Kampala

By Innocent Anguyo & Shamim Saad

KAMPALA - Police arrested opposition politicians Dr. Kizza Besigye and embattled Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago in Kampala on Thursday as they tried to hold a meeting.

The two men, who found themselves in a familiar encounter with security forces, were intercepted when they attempted to stage the meeting planned to take place at the JEEMA office.

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.

The politicians were detained from different parts of the city at about 10.00am local time (EAT).

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 are held at Central Police Station in Kampala while the other three remain detained at Kira Road police station.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesman Ibin Ssenkumbi confirmed the arrests.

Police say they will release the former FDC leader after the situation has calmed down in the city.

“Although we deployed police at his home, we did not have the intention of refusing him to leave his house,” Ssenkumbi said.

Besigye said he managed to escape despite the heavy police presence at his Kasangati home.