International
Clashes erupt in Uganda following third arrest of opposition leader
The East African country of Uganda is currently in turmoil following clashes between supporters of Uganda’s main opposition party leader Kizza Besigye and security forces in Kampala after Besigye was arrested for the third time in a week.
Tensions are even more high following allegations that the general elections were overshadowed by allegations of mass rigging in favour of the incumbent, President Museveni.
Read also: Uganda elections marred by rigging, arrests
Following the detentions of Besigye, 59, and several other party members, including Mugisha Muntu, the FDC leader, violent clashes broke out with police firing rubber bullets on Friday at protesters who hurled stones at officers outside the headquarters of the opposition party Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).
Besigye and Muntu were both prevented from addressing a press conference following his brief detention for alleging yesterday’s presidential and parliamentary elections were rigged with final election results expected to be announced on Saturday.
According to an eyewitness; “Police blocked off the FDC premises and began firing rubber bullets and in response several canisters of tear gas were thrown over the wooden gate of the party headquarters.”
A police spokesperson said the cordoning off of the FDC headquarters was necessary.
“We are in charge of this country and we have to enforce its laws. The FDC must fall in line with the laws and wait for the Electoral Commission to announce results.” said Andrew Kaweso, head of police human resources.
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