Police blocks Besigye's procession in Jinja

TEARGAS and live bullets were fired in about five trading centres along the Jinja-Iganga highway in Jinja district today (Monday) as Police dispersed opposition supporters who had come to join Dr. Kizza Besigye in celebrating 15 years of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). 

Besigye arrived at the Kyabazinga Stadium to celebrate FDC's 15 years anniversary accompanied by his supporters at about midday and was received by the Jinja district FDC chairperson, Abubakar Maganda and Jinja Central division L.C 3 chairperson, Kirunda Mubaraka.

On arrival, he immediately cut a celebration cake with his Jinja supporters and addressed them. In his speech, Besigye announced the launch of their Double Double program which they will use to continue garnering support for their party.



He urged youth to stick to their power in order to oust President Yoweri Museveni in the coming Presidential elections slated for 2021.  After addressing his supporters, Besigye walked along with them (supporters) towards Jinja town in order to visit victims and bereaved families who lost their loved ones in a collapsed building.

As soon as he entered his land cruiser car registration number UAN 661V, he kept on waving to his supporters as they headed to Jinja town.  Along the way while at Katende trading centre, his supporters provoked Police by pelting stones at them who in return fired teargas and rubber bullets to disperse them.

The Officer in charge of operation from Jinja Police, Ahmed Natumu tried to intercept Besigye but his efforts were fruitless as Besigye defiantly responded with asking Natumu questions as to why he was infringing on his rights of moving with his supporters.

However, on reaching Police roundabout, a breakdown belonging to the Military Police and other Police patrol vehicles bearing FFU policemen manned by Jinja Kiira region Police Commander, Paul Nkore,and his deputy, Onesmus Mwesigwa were awaiting him. 

They blocked Besigye's vehicle sparkling another battle as FDC supporters pelted stones onto Policemen who were fidgeting to tie a chain-link onto Besigye's car.  Besigye's driver tried hard to drive past the breakdown and Police patrol vehicles in order to flee but he was intercepted by another Police Patrol vehicle until his vehicle was chain-linked and towed to Nalufenya Police Station.  Police declined to address Journalists and by Press time, Besigye's vehicle was still at Nalufenya Police station with Besigye and other occupants locked inside it.