KAMPALA–The Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and lawyer David Mpanga have filed a case at Nakifuma Magistrate’s Court seeking the unconditional release of Dr Kizza Besigye, the former FDC Presidential candidate; Patrick Amuriat, FDC presidential candidate and party mobiliser Ingrid Turinawe.
The trio were arrested in Rukungiri district, driven to Nagalama Police Station, where they have been detained for beyond the mandatory 48 hours.
The lawyers in their petition argued that the continued detention is an abuse of their clients’ rights.
Nagalama Police Division has been served and by press time, the Nakifuma Magistrate’s Court was filled to capacity with Opposition supporters wearing red ribbons.
Among Opposition politicians at court include FDC National chairman, Ambassador Wasswa Biriggwa; Rubaga North MP, Kasibante Moses; Makindye West MP, Allan Ssewanyana and Kawempe South MP Mubarak Munyagwa.
Dr Besigye and his group were arrested as they headed to attend campaigns for Amuriat, who was traversing western Uganda, soliciting votes to enable him capture the FDC presidency.
The trio were arrested in connection with the killing of at least two people in Rukungiri district last month.
The deaths occurred when police attempted to block Opposition supporters from accessing Rukungiri stadium for a consultative rally on the age limit bill.
Opposition supporters pelted police with stones and the police in turn fired bullets and teargas to disperse the angry crowd, leading to the death of at least two people.
Lifting the age limit has become a contentious issue. Last Sunday, Ibrahim Kasozi, the Makindye East legislator organized a rally in Kabalagala but was blocked half way by the Police and some of his supporters were arrested.
Kasozi and some local councilors werealso later arrested as they tried in vain to compel the police to arrest the detainees.
