Arrested MPs remanded to Gulu Main Prison

Aug 16, 2018

"We demand that all those being detained be freed unconditionally," former FDC president Dr Kizza Besigye tells reporters at his Katonga Road-based office.

PIC: Dr. Kizza Besigye addresses a press conference flanked by Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago in Kampala on Thursday. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

ARUA MUNICIPALITY BY-ELECTION

(UPDATE) KAMPALA - Opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye on Thursday made an emphatic appeal for the release of detained politicians, including current MPs, and civilians in the aftermath of the Arua Municipality by-elections.

After appearing before a filled Chief Magistrates' Court in Gulu the same day, the MPs were remanded to Gulu Main Prison.

They were ordered to return to court on August 30. The legislators include Gerald Karuhanga (Ntungamo Municipality), Paul Mwiru (Jinja East) and Arua Municipality MP-elect Kassiano Wadri.

Their legal team said they needed medical examination.

The MPs were arrested following a fracas during which the driver of Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) was shot dead and the rear of the President's convoy car stoned in Arua town on Monday.

Kyagulanyi was due to appear before the army court in Gulu on charges of treason.

Speaking in Kampala on Thursday, the former FDC party president said all those being held should be set free.

"We demand that all those being detained be freed unconditionally," he told reporters at his Katonga Road-based office.

Besigye, flanked by Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, said they had set up a team to help in securing freedom for all those under detention and their health attended to.

It is understood Lukwago is heading that team.

On Wednesday, Parliament business had to grind to a halt for one hour, with MPs led by the Leader of Opposition, Betty Aol Ocan, demanding that the detained MPs be produced in court or be released.

But in his address on Thursday, Besigye took a swipe at the "powerlessness of Parliament", following the detention of legislators.

He also threw a jab at what he called "militarisation of politics" and the "use of excessive force in electoral processes", saying "an election is a civil affair and should be handled by civil Police".

Besigye added that while many leaders were "badly tortured" and one person killed, there could be more critical cases unreported.

"The leaders should be transfered to safe and competent facilities, where their health can be attended to," said the seasoned Opposition politician.

"No civil person should be tried in a military court," he commented on Bobi Wine's expected appearance before the General Court Martial.

Meanwhile, the army court chairman, Lt. Gen Andrew Gutti, travelled to Gulu to preside over Kyagulanyi's trial.

These events are happening in the wake of a by-election that featured 12 candidates, including six independent hopefuls.

Wadri was announced winner late Wednesday -- although he was in detention at the time of being declared victor.