Police using colonial tactics to detain Besigye - Bishop Kaggwa

Bishop John Baptist Kaggwa of Masaka Diocese has asked the police to free Forum for Democratic Change presidential candidate, Dr Kizza Besigye.

Addressing a congregation during the Easter mass at Kitovu Cathedral in Masaka, Bishop Kaggwa said keeping Besigye at his home in Kasangati is a violation of his freedom.

"Besigye should be allowed to move freely, restricting his movements is a violation of his freedom, the legal excuse police is using to keep him at home is colonial," he said.

He said police should respect the human rights and freedoms of the people. He asked politicians to put aside their election differences.

"The elections ended, we need harmony, peace and unity to move on," he said.   

He said forgiveness and reconciliation is important to heal those aggrieved by elections. He asked the leaders in Masaka to set up a committee of elders to reconcile and guide the new breed of politicians elected and those who lost.

"We have politicians who do not want to face and talk with their opponents, endless hatred and conflicts must stop," he said.

Bishop Kaggwa of Masaka Diocese receives a gift from the Masaka district council chairman elect, Jude Mbabali during the service. Photo by Dismus Buregyeya

He said the unrest in Kasese and Bundibugyo areas must be resolved for peace to prevail.  He said the concerns of those who are disturbed should be addressed.

"There must be something, it's strange for one with a stone to attack an armed personnel, we must listen to those concerns," he said.

Reacting to the matter, the Masaka Municipality MP, Mathias Mpuga said irregularities in the recent elections must be condemned.He said voter bribery in the municipality affected the elections.

"The voters accepted to be bribed with money ranging from sh2000 to sh50,000, we must not allow this trend to continue" he said.

He said the elected Democratic Party leaders in Masaka should make a difference in the electorate.    

"We are going to face a challenge, the people expect us to make a difference at the end of the term, we must serve the people properly," he said.

The Bukoto East MP, Florence Namayanja promised to follow the guidance of Bishop Kaggwa.      

"We promise that we shall be loyal to the Bishop and we shall take his guidance for our people to benefit," she said.

The Buganda Kingdom representative in Buddu (Pokino) Charles Mayega thanked Kabaka Ronald Mutebi for the tractor he donated to the people of Masaka region.

He said the tractor the Kabaka donated last week, will help the people to improve farming and modern agriculture. He said the followers in Masaka Diocese to use the tractor.

 He said the Kabaka wants the people to work hard and improve their livelihoods.