Besigye calls for calm after arrest

Opposition Presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye has urged his supporters to remain calm following his brief detention on Monday in Kampala.

"I appeal to my supporters to be calm. Let us remain firm and law abiding. We shall assert our rights," Besigye told a local TV at his residence in Kansangati, Wakiso district. A police vehicle drove Besigye back to his home.  

Describing his arrest as intimidation by the NRM regime, Besigye vowed: "I will attempt to go back to the people and address all the scheduled rallies."

However, the Minister for the Presidency and Kampala, Frank Tumwebaze defended the arrest.

"Why a rally in the central business district of Kampala? Besigye was trying to seek for publicity just after sensing defeat ahead.  Just imagine a rally at Nasser Road? Madness just. Police have duty to protect all Ugandans," the minister tweeted.

He added: "Truth should be told that after Besigye lost it at the presidential debate; he is now looking for cheap sympathy. Police however, will not abdicate its duty because of cheap machination."

The arrest followed chaotic scenes as Besigye campaigned in parts of Kampala including Kamwokya.

He was heading a procession from Kamwokya to the city centre and reportedly refused to adhere to police instructions to use Mukwano Road instead of the busy Jinja Road.