Ugandan police have arrested political activist and former presidential contender Kizza Besigye as he attempted to leave his home in Kasangati, Wakiso District on his way to Kasangati town to resume his protests against high commodity prices and rising cost of living.
He is currently detained in a police van, which had been parked near his homestead. The veteran politician was heading to Kasangati town to protest against the high commodity prices.
“I will not accept to be kept in my house like I am a prisoner in my own country. This must stop,” Dr Beisgye said.
The police did not give any reason for his arrest on Monday. Since early this month, Dr Besigye renewed his criticism of President Yoweri Museveni’s government for doing nothing to cushion vulnerable Ugandans against the skyrocketing prices of essential commodities.
Dr Besigye, who was President Yoweri Museveni’s personal doctor during the bush wars before they became bitter political rivals, hash renewed his criticism of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) for doing nothing to cushion vulnerable Ugandans against spiraling inflation.
“Just turn and go back to your house,” the commanding officer on ground who did not reveal his name said before ordering the officers to arrest the unrelenting veteran opposition politician.
This is the third time Dr Besigye is being arrested in less than two weeks over his renewed protests.
The arrest comes just hours after President Museveni, in a televised Sunday evening address, ruled out any possibilities of slashing taxes as a measure to curb escalating prices of essential commodities in Uganda.
“It is not true that we tax everything. The very crucial items are not taxed. Therefore, removing taxes or subsidizing many of the imports is suicidal and a blunder,” the 77-year-old veteran leader said.
According to Mr Museveni, whose government has been in power since 1986 when he shot his way to State House, Uganda is faced with the dilemma of choosing between absolute “collapse of the economy and survival.”
