The Police in Kampala fired teargas and coloured chemicals at opposition leaders and supporters to disperse a procession that was going to an opposition organised rally in Nsambya grounds.

opposition sprayed with coloured chemical

The rally that had been organized by Free Uganda Now pressure group by opposition political parties Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Democratic Party (DP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The police had warned the opposition leaders against passing through town and holding the rally in Nsambya with Police Spokesperson Judith Nabakooba arguing that the place was too small to handle the big numbers expected. The police instead proposed the rally to be held at Kololo ceremonial grounds, but the opposition refused.

But the police on Thursday first blocked party leaders Olara Otunu (UPC), Michael Mabikke (SDP) and Mathias Nsubuga (DP) who had just emerged from UPC offices at Uganda House.

Kampala Metropolitan  South Police Commander,  Moses Kafeero tried unsuccessfully to convince the politicians not to proceed, but they could have none of it. When they insisted, the police blocked them and fired teargas and a coloured chemical at the supporters.

Nsubuga said DP President Nobert Mao who was supposed to be with them was under “preventive arrest” at his house in Ntinda after police early this morning besieged the house and refused to let him move.z

Ultimate Media