Besigye, Lukwago released on bond

By Innocent Anguyo

Former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president Dr. Kizza Besigye and ousted Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago were released on bond following their arrest.
   
The duo was released on Thursday night, hours after being arrested earlier in the day for attempting to force their way into Sharing Youth Centre in Kampala that was meant to host a meeting.
   
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) councillor Allan Ssewanyana and Lukwago had organised the meeting to sensitise people on their role in electoral reforms ahead of the 2016 polls at which Besigye had been invited as a guest speaker.

After their arrest, Lukwago and Besigye were being held on charge of disobedience of lawful order. Lukwago was detained at Katwe Police Station, while Besigye was held at Jinja Road Police Station.

One of the other 11 who were arrested together with Beisgye and Lukwago. PHOTO/Eddie Ssejjoba

Lukwago told New Vision on phone that he was released at about 8.00pm after being driven in a police vehicle around the city and later towards Jinja only to make a turn at Mabira Forest, before being taken to Katwe for detention.

Speaking on phone from an undisclosed location, Besigye said he was released at about 10.00pm.

The two opposition leaders said they did not sustain any injuries during their confrontation with police.

They also confirmed having recorded statements at police before being released on bond.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesman Patrick Onyango confirmed the release of the two leaders who are expected to report to Katwe Police Station at prescribed intervals.

Besigye defiant

Besigye however said he may not report to police.

“I was told to report back today (Friday) at Katwe instead of Jinja Road but I may not even go back; this is part of routine harassment and torture of political opponents,” Besigye reiterated.

Lukwago described their arrest as an act of cowardice exhibited by the state.

“We are peacefully demanding for electoral reforms that must lead us to democratic elections; we do this on behalf of Ugandans,” Lukwago said.

Meanwhile, the other 11 people who were arrested at the same time as Lukwago and Besigye are still being held in Katwe police station.

These are: Deo Mbabazi, Musoke Ssenkusu, Isaac Mado, Bashir Ibanda, One Ssenkungu, One Mudumiizi, Moses Oboka, Kato Kafumbe, Habib Buwembo, Sam Kalule and Collin Mugisha.

Onyango said the eleven would be tried in court for being a public nuisance. According to Ssewanyana, those arrested were passersby who had stopped to witness the confrontation between police and the opposition leaders.