By KT Reporter
National Unity Platform Parliamentary candidate and aspirants for positions in the local government elections were among those who were arrested by the police in Mbarara on Friday.
They were arrested by the Police and security personnel when they blocked the NUP Party’s Presidential Candidate, Kyagulanyo Ssentamu, along the Mbarara-Ibanda Road he proceeded to his last campaign rally in Mbarara District.
Addressing the journalists in Mbarara, Kyagulanyi said that among the arrested are three candidates contesting for Member of Parliament seats in the districts of Rwampara and Isingiro.
They included Sara Kiconco, the Woman Member of Parliament candidate for the Rwampara district, Jim Muyambi, the candidate for the Rwampara East constituency, and Emmanuel Kihembo. Others are aspirants at the local government level.
“Yesterday, more than a hundred of our comrades were arrested as we headed for our last rally in Mbarara, many of them were beaten, tortured, and they are now detained,” he said. Kyagulanyi said that the biggest percentage of those arrested were from Mbarara.
Kyagulanyi further condemned the act of detaining his supporters with handcuffs on.
“Our People spent the night in handcuffs. This is illegal; many were beaten for no reason whatsoever”. He narrated.
Kyagulanyi accused the police of arresting and charging his people in Kiruhura district, yet they are the ones who were attacked by goons dressed in yellow t-shirts with Museveni’s picture, and holding Museveni’s posters.
“Our comrades were arrested and were accused of assaulting the people who attacked us; all of you were watching when they came and attacked us with sticks and stones, and they were being protected by the police,” he said.
After the Press briefing, Kyagulanyi headed for his rallies in Rwampara and Ntungamo Districts.
Meanwhile, the Uganda Police on Friday said, “Several arrests have been made in Mbarara district targeting individuals with criminal records, including assaulting officers, destroying government property, and those who obstructed officers on duty were also arrested.”
It said the police remain steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding all candidates, but will not tolerate criminality or disorder.
“Candidates are cautioned against engaging in violence, and any individual choosing this path will be held personally accountable. All political actors are urged to conduct themselves civilly, respect legal frameworks, maintain peace throughout the campaign period, and follow campaign guidelines as issued by all regulatory stakeholders.”
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