Security forces comprising UPDF soldiers and police men have arrested Joel Ssenyonyi, the National Unity Platform-NUP party spokesperson, Lewis Rubongoya, the secretary general, and former Kampala central NUP parliamentary candidate, Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu.
Joint security forces comprising the military and police surrounded the trio at Rubbies Pump fuel station in Kamwokya on Monday morning shortly after addressing journalists on their planned activities to commemorate this year’s independence at their party headquarters.
They bundled them in a minibus alias drone and sped off to Kiira Road police station. The officers also picked up other people who were dressed in NUP T-shirts bundled them into pick up trucks and sped off to an unknown destination. Also arrested is a one Bishop Tomusange William from Mityana, who was slated to lead the prayers.
The trio had just told journalists that they would meet at NUP offices to celebrate independence and pray for the departed souls of their colleagues who died in the struggle.
NUP party President Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine was set to be the chief celebrant. However, police and army sealed off all roads leading to the NUP Headquarters and blocked both traffic and pedestrians.
Businesses in Kamwokya and surrounding areas have been forced to close. Before their arrest, Ssenyonyi said they were surprised by the security deployment. He said as a political party, they have a right to meet their supporters for whatever activities they deem fit. He said they will continue to push ahead with their plans until the country is liberated from the hands of President Museveni who is holding it hostage.
For his part, Rubongoya expressed concern over the arrest of his party members for no good reason. He said what has happened today is testimony that the state is very fearful the same people it claims to be ruling.
For his part Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, the NUP deputy spokesperson said the security forces actions of arresting people shows that Uganda is not yet independent. He however added that such actions do nothing but embolden them to continue pushing for change in Uganda.
Bobi Wine condemned the raid. “While they do this, they will shamelessly gather today to celebrate “independence” even when they behave worse than the colonialists. The cowardly regime will never have the last laugh!” he said.
