Kampala city Lord Mayor Elias Lukwago has been arrested and whisked to Kiira police station.
Lukwago was arrested from his home in Wakaliga, ahead of a planned march by the Kampala Capital City Authority, KCCA political leaders from the city Hall to constitutional square, to officially launch their togibikula campaign.
On Wednesday, councilors led by deputy Lord Mayor Sarah Kanyike announced the campaign, categorically explaining that they had sought police guidance. However, the IGP, Gen. Kale Kayihura issued a warning letter last night, that no Ugandan will be allowed to hold a march in the city center however peaceful it is, or despite the side they support.
Andrew Karamagi, a lawyer and activist at Action Aid, an NGO that's still under police siege since last evening says the country is being held hostage and describes Lukwago's arrest as embarrassing.
Another activist faults police for running after NGOs and leaders who are trying to do good for the country, instead of arresting those responsible for women murders in Wakiso district.
After Lukwago’s arrest, the police proceeded to City Hall, where several councilors led by his deputy, Sarah Kanyike had gother to start their march.
These were held under siege until moments later, when councilor Doreen Nyanjura and her colleagues tried to march to Parliament but were bundled on a police truck and whisked away.
Meanwhile at Parliament, the public chambers are under lock and members of the public are not allowed in. The parliament underground parking is also labeled out of bounds even for members of Parliament.
Hon. Mwijukye Francis, the Buhweju Member of Parliament said he left his home on a boda boda after the police cordoned off his home. Mwijukye said Parliament has been turned into some barracks and they will not allow any business in the house, unless the security forces back off.
