Police block pro-Kayihura rally in Kisoro town

KAMPALA- Police Thursday blocked a group of people who were planning to protest the arrest of former Inspector General of Police, Gen Kale Kayihura, in Kisoro Municipality, Kisoro District.

According to police sources, the protest was being organised by a section of Kisoro District leaders.

Gen Kayihura hails from Kisoro District.
Deputy Police spokesman, Mr Patrick Onyango, says the organisers were trying to break the law.

“I have been informed that there is no notification by the Kisoro leaders to the police, which is a requirement in the Public Order Management Act. The area police have told the mobilisers to follow the right channels to air out their grievance,” Mr Onyango said.

Gen Kayihura was arrested on Wednesday by the army on unknown charges.

His whereabouts are still unknown. He was arrested with several other senior police officers.
During his tenure as IGP, he established several projects in Kisoro to uplift people from poverty, which made him famous in the area.

Kisoro District Chairman, Mr Abel Bizimana, who is the chief mobiliser, said they had organised a demonstration to express their dissatisfaction.

 “Our demonstration was peaceful but the police have dispersed it. We think there is a level of hatred and persecution of our hero. We Bafumbira are angry about the humiliation of our hero, Gen Kayihura,” Mr Bizimana said.

Armed police officers have been deployed at Kisoro Mayor’s Gardens and Ssaza Grounds where the demonstrations were expected to take place.

Kisoro District Police commander, Mr Hassan Ssekalema, said police officers have been deployed at different public venues in Kisoro District.
“We have dominated all areas. The area is calm. There is no problem as of now,” Mr Ssekalema said.
Gen Kayihura was a very strong advocate of the passing of the Public Order Management Act, which made it hard for demonstrators to organise demonstrations.