Uganda Police have Monday morning blocked and arrested a section of Forum for Democratic (FDC) leaders who were marching to Kenyan embassy in Uganda, in an attempt to petition authorities over the alleged illegal and violent of their 36 activists.
Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Hon Ssemujju Nganda, Deputy Lord Mayor Nyanjura Doreen, FDC Katonga Secretary General Harold Kaija, Ingrid Turinawe Hon Kamara, Hon Kagyinda, Ms Farida Nangonzi among other Leaders arrested over protesting the alleged unfair treatment of their 36 colleagues, who were in late July arrested in Kisumu, Kenya, and deported back to Uganda.
On addition to protesting, we have been informed that the embassy was aware of their march and were expected to receive a petition for the arrested leaders only to be blocked by police.
According to the petition signed by Amb. Wasswa Birigwa, the FDC Katonga faction Chairman, and seen by this website, claim that, the arrested 36 were part of the continuous political mentorship program, and were to spend a week undergoing training with the Community Training Centre.
The petition further highlights that, Kenya as a sovereign State and senior partner of the East African Community, it was and is a great breach of trust amongst the two sister countries and that by Kenyan government allowing Ugandan Security operatives to commit crime on the citizens of Uganda under your watch was not only wrong but illegal.
Among the petition demands include, an immediate response and action from Kenyan government in regards to the activists rights violations
They also want to know whether, Uganda declared Kenya a ‘Hostile’ neighbor with the claimed terrorist training camps from which Uganda Government has chosen to operate from?
But also know whether the Kenyan Government is and was aware of the alleged abduction/kidnap? whether Kenya safe for visitors, tourists and business?
They were also seeking to know the level of impunity Uganda State Security operatives being used in Kenya, as allegedly demonstrated by the said abduction/kidnap of the 36 activists FDC leaders and the blatant abuse of their rights were sanctioned by the Kenyan Government?
It should be recalled that on July 23, 2024,is when the said activists were allegedly violently arrested after breaking into their hotel rooms at the Ukweli Pastoral Centre on the outskirts of Kisumu City
The 36 suspects were later aligned before Nakawa Magistrates Court and charged with terrorism and subsequently remanded to Luzira and Kitalya Prisons, respectively.
They include 33 men, namely Ronald Muhinda (Besigye’s Personal Assistant), Makokha Samuel, Rutarorndwa Simon, Dr. Okello George Ekwaro, Nkonge Charles, Kawanguzi Paul, Nasur Din Basalirwa, Waiswa Latif Maido, Bukenya Charles Lwanga, Kitamirike Mbago Buyinza, Kasera John Mangeni, Bukenya Hakim, Olinga Sozi Peter, Obang Walter, Cankara Moses Mwaka, Kaigo Yosia, Wanzige George, Museveni Innocent Rubarondesa, Nakibinge Eddward Wassajja, Mpungu Henry, Naguba Ronald Kasozi, Beinomugisha Adios Denmark, Tugabirwe Richard, Okelo Sirino, Ahimbisibwe Owen, Nsubuga Simon Peter, Wakabi Adam, Kimonge Conold, Buyondo Henry, Ngobi Fairuzi, Owamani Robert, Kugumisiriza Arthur and Owachigiu Dennis Nono.
The 3 women include Lalam Florence, Nalunkuuma Grace, and Apare Sarah.
By Mukose Arnold Anthony