Police camp at Besigye's home for fourth day

By Vision Reporters

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) President Dr. Kizza Besigye’s home is still under siege for the fourth day now, New Vision online has learnt.

Police have been camped at the retired Colonel’s home since Monday in an attempt to block the opposition leader from holding anti government rallies ahead of the Golden Jubilee independence celebrations.

Besigye was briefly arrested on Monday downtown in Kisekka Market after he beat security at his home in Kasangati and made it to town.

He had planned to hold a rally at Constitutional Square but was whisked back to his home and police have been watching him closely since.

Police also sealed off roads leading to the Constitutional Square and deployed heavily there to block the planned rally. 

Other politicians on the Police radar are Masaka Municipality MP Mathias Mpuuga whose home in Lungujja has been besieged by cops to ensure he is not up to any mischief.

On Monday the Police camped at several opposition politicians’ homes ahead of Besigye’s planned rally.

Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago was arrested twice and cautioned for disobeying lawful orders.

Kawempe Division Mayor Mubarak Munyagwa was also briefly detained at Kawempe Police Station as he attempted to drive to twon to join his colleagues.

Minister warns opposition

Justice and constitutional affairs minister Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire has thrown in his weight, backing the Government’s decision to ban opposition political gatherings as the country celebrates its Golden Jubilee.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday at the Media Centre, Otafiire said: “The Police is stopping their gatherings to save the lives of Ugandans because their gatherings can be infiltrated by terrorists. Do they want us to have a repeat of the over 80 Ugandans who died at Lugogo and Kabalagala when we had terrorist attacks in 2010?” he asked.

Mpuuga however said the Government’s move to stop them from holding political rallies and demonstrations was unconstitutional.

“Are they going to stop all other gatherings or is he (Otafiire) saying terrorists only target gatherings organised by members of the opposition?” Mpuuga asked

Jubilee carnival shifted from Constitutional Square

As if on cue, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) changed the venue for the Jubilee Carnival that was scheduled to take place at the Constitutional Square on Sunday.

Live performances from celebrated musicians and other acts will now take place at the Railway Grounds, instead of Constitutional Square.

The authority Executive Director, Jennifer Musisi, however said the organisers agreed to change the venue of the event for security reasons.

“There will be guests arriving on that day who may use that route to get to their hotels in the city. We agreed to shift venue to avoid interfering with that arrangement,” she said.

Police sound stern warning

Police over the weekend advised politicians to desist from holding rallies, processions and demonstrations until after the country's Golden Jubilee celebrations are over.

They said such activities at the moment pose a security risk.

In a strongly worded statement, the Inspector General of Police reiterated the Police's resolve to execute its constitutional obligation of regulating the conduct of public meetings and processions.