GULU — Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Party Presidential candidate Patrick Oboi Amuriat has been arrested in Gulu.
Mr. Amuriat was arrested shortly after the Police blocked his rally in Gulu City.
The security forces had earlier arrested another Presidential candidate, Bobi Wine on Wednesday while campaigning in Luuka District.
In two tweets, Bobi Wine, aide said police had violently broken into the presidential candidate’s vehicle and taken him into Nalufenya custody.
Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
“The price of freedom is high but we shall certainly overcome,” Bobi Wine aide said in one of the tweets.
Demonstrators had erected barricades and lit fires on some roads in the capital Kampala and the riots are spreading fast to other towns to protest against Bobi Wine’s arrest.
Several people are reportedly stuck in Kampala buildings while military and Police are taking charge of the situation.
Many people have, reportedly, been shot dead by the Police and Military in various parts of the city.
National Unity Platform leaders in Masaka Florence Namayanja, Mathius Mpuuga, Ronald Kanyike, Dr. Abed Bwanina and others leaders have been arrested.
Since expressing his intention to run against President Museveni, Bobi Wine has won a large following, especially among young people.
Many young supporters say they are drawn to him by his criticism of Museveni’s government mingled in his lyrics.
Others say that as a young leader he is better positioned to tackle the 21st challenges they face.
Bobi Wine’s large following has rattled the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and security forces have frequently fired teargas at his rallies and detained and beaten his supporters.
On the day he was nominated early this month, a squad of military and policy personnel used metallic tools to break into his vehicle.
He was subsequently detained briefly and police used teargas to disperse his supporters.
In a statement issued before Bobi Wine’s detention on Wednesday, police had warned that presidential candidates would be arrested if they flouted guidelines limiting attendance at rallies to 200 people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Political leader speak out
Former Presidential Candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye has warned that the escalating brutality against some presidential candidates, while the Electoral Commission looks on, or, even, encourages it, was bound to a disastrous situation.
He also demanded unconditional release of Bobi Wine and warned that all presidential candidates should suspend campaigns and meet to determine the way forward.
Another Presidential Candidate, Gen. Mugisha Muntu said that the impunity with which security operatives are operating in the continued harassment and now arrest of Hon. Kyagulqnyi is leading this country closer towards a breaking point.
“We join NUP and all fair-minded Ugandans in calling upon his immediate release”.
