Ishaka-Bushenyi marches for Besigye's freedom

Supporters of the new political outfit, the Peoples Front for Freedom (PFF), stormed Ishaka-Bushenyi municipality on Monday to protest the continued detention of their member Dr Kizza Besigye.

Dr Besigye and several other Opposition party loyalists remain incarcerated in Luzira and Kitalya prisons despite a Supreme Court judgment that ordered the transfer of their files from military to civilian courts.

The demonstrators carried placards with inscriptions such as ‘Kizza Besigye and political prisoners must be free’, ‘Respect Court orders please’, ‘Free Dr Kizza Besigye and other political prisoners.’’

The demonstrators marched around Ishaka town for some 30 minutes but retreated before any confrontation with police. Nevertheless, they promised to return today.

The Greater Bushenyi FDC-Katonga faction branch chairperson, Mr Guma Gumisiriza, said their demo was to show discontent by Ugandans against the illegal detention of the veteran politician and other political prisoners.

“Dr Besigye is in prison illegally, we understand Besigye should have been set free following the Supreme Court ruling, but we wonder why he is still in prison. We have even seen posts on social media by some highly placed people in the country that they want to hang him. Please, Ugandans. It is high time we all woke up and liberated ourselves,” Mr Gumisiriza said.

He said they would press on with the protests until Dr Besigye and other political prisoners were released.

“If they don’t release him, we will mobilise the young, and everybody to protest. We know we have the capacity because we know power belongs to the people and we shall fight here. Set Besigye free and all other political prisoners,” Mr Guma said.

Mr Gilbert Agaba, the PFF Ishaka municipality secretary for mobilistion, said if they don’t pressure the government, including through street protests, Dr Besigye would not be released voluntarily.

He urged the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to transfer the file from military court to civilian courts.

“As Ugandans, we know our leader is under illegal detention, we are going on a march and ensure he is freed. We know these oppressors will not voluntarily give us freedom, that’s why we are here to demand it forcefully. We are here to say enough is enough, Dr Kiiza Besigye and other political prisoners should be released,” Mr Agaba said.

He added: “I also appeal to the DPP to take over the case file. I don’t think that the file should be under the military court. Let all Ugandans rise up and see there is justice in the county and people enjoy their freedoms."

The Greater Bushenyi Police spokesperson, Mr Marcial Tumusiime, said he was not aware of any demonstration in his region.

“I am not aware of any demonstration, let me call my District Police Commander (DPC), I will call you if I get the feedback,” Mr Tumusiime said.

“Demonstrations are only allowed as long as those involved seek permission and get clearance from the DPC,” he added.