Uganda arrests opposition leaders over protest
Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye looks on at the Kasangati police station after being arrested close to his house on April 11, 2011. Ugandan police arrested Besigye as he tried to stage a protest against rising prices amid a ban on demonstrations. Besigye, who was President Yoweri Museveni’s main challenger in the February 18 presidential elections he claims were rigged, had called for a ‘walk-to-work’ demonstration against rising fuel and other prices.
Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye has reportedly been arrested a after police tear-gassed a group of his supporters who were protesting the rising costs of fuel.
“He was arrested after blocking a road leading into Kampala," police spokeswoman Judith Nabakooba told AFP. "Police tried to move him on but he resisted.
“Teargas was used to disperse a rowdy crowd that was throwing stones," she added.
The “walk-to-work” protest had been banned by the police at the weekend.
On his arrest Besigye called out: “We condemn this blatant abuse of human rights and use of violence on innocent people.”
Besigye disputed the results of a presidential election in February won by long-standing leader Yoweri Museveni, in power since 1986 but facing only his third competitive ballot this year. Besigye won just 26% of the vote against Museveni’s 68%.
According local radio station KFM Norbert Mao, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, was also arrested.
Before elections in February Besigye had said Uganda was ripe for “Egypt-style” protests but his call has largely fallen on deaf ears.
Our coverage reaches millions each week, but only a small fraction of listeners contribute to sustain our program. We still need 224 more people to donate $100 or $10/monthly to unlock our $67,000 match. Will you help us get there today?