FDC leader Kizza Besigye is among other opposition politicians currently at Buganda Road Court where they were summoned to appear to answer charges related to the death of a police officer.
The officials, however, appear to have abandoned their plans to walk to court following heavy police deployment.
Besigye, Kampala Woman MP Nabilah Naggayi, Kawempe division mayor Mubarak Munyagwa and Ingrid Turinawe, the chairperson of FDC women’s league, have all responded to court summons.
Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago is however not at Buganda Road as he is reportedly out of the country.
The five were summoned on Monday to appear in court following the killing of John Michael Ariong, an assistant inspector of police who was reportedly stoned during a riot on seven days ago. The riot followed the arrest of the five opposition officials.
Besigye, who on Tuesday said he would walk from his home in Kasangati to court, arrived at Buganda Road Court at 9:22am in his Toyota Land Cruiser registration number UAN 661V. MP Naggayi was, on the other hand, brought on a police pick up truck registration number UP 1030, after she was reportedly intercepted by police as she tried to walk from her home in Mutungo. The MP claims that her car was damaged in the process but URN could not immediately verify this information.
Leader of Opposition in Parliament Nandala Mafabi and JEEMA president Asuman Basalirwa were among other IPC leaders at the Court. Several FDC supporters carrying Local Council letters had arrived earlier saying they are ready to stand sureties for their leaders.
Police had earlier on Wednesday deployed heavily on major roads leading into the city.
In a statement sent to journalists on Monday night, Asuman Mugyenyi, the Police spokesman said the opposition have been mobilizing hooligans to engage in criminal acts, and unlawful processions, in the guise of escorting their leaders to and from the Court.
Mugyenyi further noted in the statement that such unlawful processions have, in the recent past, degenerated into chaos leading to riots, loss of life and damage to property.
According to him those persons are charged for criminal offences in their individual capacities, and their appearance in Courts of Law should not be politicized.
He stressed that Police shall not allow any unlawful processions and assemblies to be held, on the pretext of ‘escorting’ individuals to court.
