After spending the greater part of the day in police detention at different locations, Presidential hopefuls Amama Mbabazi and Dr. Kizza Besigye were last evening released without any charges preferred against them.
The police spokesperson Fred Enanga said the duo had been held for disobeying lawful orders when he allegedly refused to stop when directed by a uniformed Police officer. Mbabazi was arrested at Njeru, en route to Mbale where he was scheduled to address a consultative meeting.
Mbabazi was forced back to Kampala where he was kept in police detention until late in the evening. He was prevented from interacting with the media or his campaign team, except his wife.
Besigye, on the other hand was arrested at his home in Kasangati and taken to Nagalama police station. Besigye however said he was traveling to Kampala to meet with officials at the US embassy.
The duo’s detention attracted international attention and criticised as violation of their rights.
Meanwhile, Amama Mbabazi’s team has suspended its consultations following the death of Mbabazi’s brother.
A statement released by Mbabazi’s spokesperson Josephine Mayanja Nkangi said: “Due to the death of his brother, Enock Bahemerwabusha Bagwowabo (1930-2015); Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi has suspended his country-wide Consultation Tour until further notice. New dates will be given to the Electoral Commission as soon as they are available. We ask that he and his family be allowed time to grieve.”
Correction:
An earlier version of this article had stated that Mbabazi and Besigye had been charged. We have since established that they were released without any charges.
