Gunshots, tear gas as Besigye holds rally

Jan 25, 2012

The outgoing FDC party president Dr. Kizza Besigye on Tuesday held a rally in Namugoona that ended in violence during his departure.

By Simon Masaba and Jeff Lule                 

The outgoing Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party president Dr. Kizza Besigye on Tuesday held a rally in Namugoona that ended in violence during his departure.

FDC party supporters turned rowdy when Besigye’s car was denied access to town by traffic police. As a result, police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, but in vain.

In a rather characteristic move, the unyielding supporters of the leading opposition party started throwing stones towards the anti-riot police and passers-by . The action ignited more drama as police fired more rounds of tear gas towards the aggressors.

FDC supporters pelting at the security forces ahead who were deployed to block their party leader Dr Kizza Besigye from proceeding to town. PHOTO: Arthur Kintu

There was heavy deployment of police to block the FDC party stalwart from proceeding to Kampala.

Being no stranger to such form of opposition from the security forces, Besigye adamantly attempted to walk but plain-clothed men forced him back into his car.

The move attracted more aggressiveness from the loyalists of the three-time party presidential flag-bearer.

 After a 30-minute scuffle, Besigye gave in and changed course. He drove through Nansana town but more drama ensued in Kalerwe and Kasangati as police continued to fire tear gas to disperse the crowds before he drove to his Kasangati home.

Besigye addresses his supporters during the Namungoona rally before the clashes broke out. PHOTO: Arthur Kintu

The outgoing FDC party head was not alone. He was accompanied by Action for Change (A4C) coordinator Mathias Mpuuga, Medard SSegona (MP), Lulume Bayiga, Ken Lukyamuzi ,Betty Nambozze, Erias Lukwago (mayor),Ingrid Turinawe(FDC woman head),Harriet Kisakye(Musician).

At one point, Besigye and his camp said in unison that ”it is the high cost of living in which we need change.”

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