Police block prayers for walk-to-work victims

Police in Kasese on Monday blocked prayers that had been planned by members of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) that were to be held at Rwenzori Square in Kasese Municipality.

The political party had organised prayers for the victims of police brutal arrest of walk-to-work protestors in different parts of the country.

It was also meant to be a thanksgiving service for the recovery of party president Kizza Besigye who was soaked in tear gas on April 28 in Kampala.

Following the communication on Saturday, the Kasese DPC, Mr Paul Mumbogwe, warned whoever was to turn up for the prayers that they would be tear-gassed.

Security personnel comprising the police, army and plain-clothed officers then sealed off Kasese town.

The district FDC party chairman, Mr Saul Mate, later told journalists on phone that the police’s act contravened their constitutional rights to freedom of expression and gathering.

Mr Mate vowed to organise another walk-to-work protest tomorrow.

The Busongora North, FDC chairman, Mr Elly Magwara who was to lead the prayers, told journalists that the police were wrong to block the gathering as the function had no relationship with the ongoing protests.

The district Deputy Criminal Investigative Officer, Mr Jimmy Ojok Alex, said the religious leaders were all distancing themselves from the said prayers which show that the opposition had organised prayers with hidden motives.

The Town clerk of Central division, Ms Grace Masika, said the organisers had not even paid the Shs200,000 fee to council to use the grounds.