Summary:
- Security forces were deployed at the FDC offices on Republic Road in Rukungiri Town, where FDC leaders and supporters had gathered for the event.
RUKUNGIRI: Police and Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) on Tuesday foiled a planned prayer meeting organized by the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in Rukungiri District.
The meeting was intended to pray for the incarcerated Col. (Rtd) Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya.
Security forces were deployed at the FDC offices on Republic Road in Rukungiri Town, where FDC leaders and supporters had gathered for the event. Caleb Musiimenta, the Rukungiri District FDC Party Secretary, said he arrived at the office at 7:00 am to prepare for the prayers but was ordered by security personnel to vacate the premises.
Musiimenta explained that the party had complied with all police requirements, including submitting a written notice of the gathering and agreeing to avoid processions in town, given Dr. Besigye’s national profile. According to Musiimenta, the prayers were to be led by Nyakibale Catholic Parish, in collaboration with religious leaders from the Anglican and Born-Again communities.
CUE IN MUSIIMENTA……ON THE MATTER…
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Rukungiri’s Deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC), Wilberforce Ongom Ahimbisibwe, stated that security forces were not aware of the planned gathering.
He added that the deployment was made to ensure public safety, as they suspected the event might involve more than just prayers, especially since no official communication had been received.
CUE IN ONGOM….ON DEPLOYMENT…
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Both Dr. Besigye and Hajji Lutale are currently on remand at Luzira Prison, facing charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
