Police in Kampala arrested 14 activists of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) as they staged a protest in the city.
The activists, belonging to FDC’s Katonga Road faction, included Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura. They were attempting to march to the Kenyan High Commission to express their disappointment over the recent arrest and extradition of 36 FDC activists from Kenya. The 36 were reportedly arrested by the Ugandan army in Kisumu, which FDC claims is illegal.
They set off from their Katonga Road office while lifting placards containing information about their detained colleagues. However, their march wasn’t successful as police deployed full force against them just after Fairway Hotel. Following their arrest, Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango expressed disappointment with the leaders. According to Onyango, they were apprehended because their assembly and march were unlawful.
He explained that the road they were using was busy, and the same applied to their destination. Onyango argued that had the Katonga Road activists notified the police, they would have had a smoother journey. He further noted that the police have an obligation to protect other citizens and stressed that their destination hosts high-profile offices and people.
“They had to inform us so that we could notify people who stay in those areas. We are processing them for court, and the court will decide whether to grant them bail or remand them.” Patrick Onyango said.
Former FDC President Kizza Besigye described the conduct of the police as unsustainable.
“While crime is rampant all over Uganda and police presence is very thin, hundreds of police officers are always on standby to attack peaceful citizens who oppose the NRM/M7 Junta. This is unsustainable; WE SHALL OVERCOME!” Kizza Besigye stated.
The FDC activists were remanded to Luzira prison in July on terrorism charges after being picked up from their Kisumu hotel by security operatives. Prosecution alleged that their travel to Kenya was to receive terrorism training. They were remanded to Luzira Prison until August 13.
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