Ugandas opposition leader Kizza Besigye released hours after arrest

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye was released Monday afternoon after being held by police for close to two hours.

Besigye was arrested, alongside Kampala District Woman Member of Parliament Nabilah Naggayi, as he tried to make his way to a public rally that was to be held at the Makerere University grounds.

Upon his release, the defiant Besigye moved to the same ground to continue with his political rally.

Commotion ensued after armed police prevented the FDC presidential candidate from holding his rally in Kampala leading to protests by his supporters who were already at the venue.

Police were forced to shoot in the air and fire teargas to disperse the agitated crowd leaving one person with bullet wounds with others injured.

Besigye is being held at the Kiira Road police Station.

The 59-year-old has been touted as President Yoweri Museveni’s main rival in the forthcoming February 18th presidential election with opinion polls held in January putting him at 31 per cent behind Museveni who got 51 per cent.

The former Nairobi-based doctor has been a strong critic of Museveni’s leadership terming it dictatorial and oppressive.

During the Saturday night Presidential Debate, Besigye claimed that the Electoral Commission (EC) was hatching a plan to rig the elections in favour of Museveni.

He said that he will only accept results if they are free and fair adding that the move by the government to import anti-riot gear and police vehicles will not intimidate the Opposition into submission.

This is not the first time that Besigye has been arrested under Museveni’s regime. His latest arrest was last October when the Opposition leader was held for reportedly challenging Museveni’s presidency.

Museveni, 71, has been in power for 30 years and will be seeking his fifth term, with a victory in the February 18 elections stretching his leadership by a further 5 years.

Other candidates in the race include former Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba, Pastor Joseph Mabirizi, Bwanika Abed, Maureen Kyala and Benon Biraaro.