Police blocks Besigye, takes refuge at Church

Besigye with his aides seated outside Yowana Maria Mzee Church after court hearing at Nabweru Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. Photo by Isaac Kasamani

There is a stand-off between police and opposition supporters at the gate of Yowana Maria Mzee church after Forum for Democratic Change President Kizza Besigye was blocked by police from walking from Nabweru Court where he appeared on charges of holding illegal assembly.

Speaking to Daily Monitor in a telephone interview, Dr. Besigye said, “I am here surrounded by the police. I can see they are positioning themselves and I don’t know what they are planning to do. I was just walking and it is something that I am determined to do; that I can walk in my country unhindered because that is my right.”

Currently, there is a stand-off between the police and some FDC supporters at the Church. Our reporter at the scene says police are used batons and sticks to scatter his supporters who had gathered around Dr. Besigye. More trucks of police officers armed with pistols, AK-47s and water canon have been deployed at the scene.

The stand off reportedly started after Dr. Besigye emerged from Nabweru Court where he had gone to answer charges of holding illegal assembly and inciting violence. Our reporter at the scene says the police swung into action after Dr Besigye showed no sign of boarding his vehicle when he emerged out of the court.

Together with four of his aides, Dr Besigye opted to walk towards Nabweru -Nansana Road attracting curious onlookers and supporters who joined the walk. The police then sealed off the road forcing Dr Besigye and his aides to seek refuge in a nearby church where he sat on the steps.