Fresh battles have pitted police against supporters of the Democratic Party in Kampala, as they launched a march to Luzira Prisons seeking the release of Norbert Mao, the Democratic Party president.
DP youth wingers are protesting detention of Norbert Mao in Luzira prisons. Many carried placards reading “ Free Norbert Mao”, “Enough is enough” and “Museveni the Celebrated dictator in Africa”
Led by Eddi Yawe, the former DP parliamentary candidate for Kampala, the party supporters started off their march as a small group but the numbers swelled up as they marched through Darstur and Luwum streets.
Yawe says that the DP youth wingers are demanding for the unconditional release of the DP party president. But their plans to head to Luzira prison have been foiled by the police.
Police in anti-riot gear backed by the military ring-fenced the post office blocking the supporters from proceeding to Luzira through the Kampala –Jinja road. They were repulsed back to the city center and in a way of regrouping, the DP supporters decided to move to the DP party headquarters at City House.
Norman Musinga, The District Police commander, central police station ordered fresh re-enforcements of the Police, who swiftly descended upon the DP youth wingers, pushing many towards the old taxi park.
Uganda Radio Network reporter estimates that about 500 people are taking part in the Free Norbert Mao march to Luzira.
Most shops have closed and some traders could either be seen standing on top of the building watching the events as they unfold or peeping from inside their shops.
Traffic has also been paralyzed as taxis and motorists sped out of the stormy city center.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Norbert Mao has been transferred to Nakasongola Prisons.
The decision to transfer him came amid fears that if the youth wingers descend on Luzira prisons, they could spark off a chaos that could lead to massive prisoner escapes.
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