FDC strongman and political activist Dr Kizza Besigye has been arrested and detained while on his campaign to “awaken” Ugandans to respond to high commodity prices in the country.
Besigye was arrested by security agents after he attempted to leave his home in Kasangati Wakiso District, and locked up in a police van.
Before the arrest, the fou-time presidential candidate had addressed media on the ongoing inflation in the country, saying government had not offered solutions.
Besigye characterised President Yoweri Museveni’s Sunday address on the economic situation in the country, saying it was just “empty talk” with no takeaways.
“We are on our own and therefore, we must find our own solutions to the crisis we face, Ugandans should wake up,” Besigye thundered.
His address to the media was happening while police was at his gate. They did not give him a chance to leave.
The People’s Front for Transition, a movement headed by Besigye posted on Twitter moments after their leader’s arrest saying that police is acting like criminals and that the arrest will have consequences.
“Holding him at home will not solve the economic crisis we face, a crisis started by Mr. Museveni regime. No turning back. Muzuukuke campaign continues,” the Front said in a tweet.
But Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire insist that, Besigye is not under arrest but “restrained” after scuffle with police officers.
Owoyesigyire says police had to block him and in the process, there was physical altercation with police officers leading to his restraint.