Mao jailed as govt arrests top opposition leaders
By John Stephen Katende
An injured Besigye being manhandled during arrest
18th April 2011:- THE government has arrested nearly all Uganda’s top opposition leaders and activists in a dawn swoop that was aimed at stopping them from setting off on the ‘Walk-to-Work’ protests called by ‘Activists for Change’.
UPC President Dr. Olara Otuunu was arrested at Game Shopping Center in Nakawa at about 9:35am. He was arrested with Chris Opoka and Badru Wegulo. Otunnu was arrested on the orders of Alphonse Mutabazi, the OC Jinja Road Police station.
Mao charged and remanded in prison
Writing on his facebook page, DP President General Norbert Mao confirmed the dark developments to his funs and supporter. “…I have been remanded to Luzira prison along with six members of the Democratic party. We will be produced in court on the 2/5/11”, Mr. Mao said.
The other six members of the Democratic Party are Paul Kakande, Elvis Kintu, Moses Bigirwa, John Ssebuwufu, Mary Kamya Kasozi and Taddeo. The DP leader also appealed to Ugandans living abroad to highlight plight of Ugandans in Uganda to the international community; especially politicians in their host countries.
“…Ugandans living outside the border use your power of voice! Contact your local senator and demand that Washington D.C. pay attention to the growing violence and detainment of innocents. Call your senator today…not just once. DEMAND THE US STOP SUPPORTING THE M7. Call every hour until you get a response. The Ugandan Diaspora cannot be ignored. ACT TODAY”, Mao pleaded.
Injured Besigye violently arrested again
Meanwhile, FDC Party President Dr. Kizza Besigye who was shot in the right hand last week has been violently arrested again as he tried to leave his home to ‘Walk-to-Work’. Both uniformed and plain clothed security operatives manhandled the leader of the biggest opposition party and threw him on the back of a police pick-up truck as he protested.
A video recording of Besigye’s violent arrest can be viewed by clinking on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoMiTooYPM8 END. Please login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories and anytime mid-week for our news updates.
