On Wednesday, a scene of chaos and confusion took place outside Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court. Two supporters of Dr. Kizza Besigye were suddenly and forcefully arrested by plainclothes security officers.
These officers pushed the two people into a well-known white vehicle called a “drone,” which then sped off toward the nearby Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) headquarters.
The arrests happened just as hundreds of people were leaving the court after attending a hearing involving Dr. Besigye, a prominent opposition figure in Uganda. Witnesses said that the plainclothes operatives, dressed in suits and casual clothes, quickly moved in and grabbed two individuals.
The arrests happened just as hundreds of people were leaving the court after attending a hearing involving Dr. Besigye, a prominent opposition figure in Uganda. Witnesses said that the plainclothes operatives, dressed in suits and casual clothes, quickly moved in and grabbed two individuals.
One of the people was reportedly lifted into the vehicle. The sudden action caused panic among the crowd. The white drone vehicle is often used by security agencies in Uganda for fast arrests, especially for people who are seen as opponents of the government.
The use of this vehicle for arrests has been a controversial topic in the country, with many citizens and lawyers condemning the practice.The chaos grew louder as supporters of Besigye screamed and shouted, worried about the safety of those arrested. During the confusion, one angry supporter reportedly punched one of the arresting officers.
This led to the arrival of Joint Anti-Terrorism (JAT) officers in uniform, who rushed to protect the drone vehicle and the arrested individuals. Counter-terrorism officers nearby tried to chase the drone, but the vehicle and its plainclothes escorts were faster and managed to escape.
Among those arrested was Umar Katongole, a councilor from Kira Division, confirmed Harold Kaija, the Secretary General of the Patriotic Front for Freedom (PFF), a group that broke away from the main opposition party, FDC. Sources close to the situation suggested that Katongole’s arrest might be linked to an earlier incident inside the courtroom.
Before the court session started, Besigye supporters had chased out a man they believed was a state spy. This man was seen secretly taking pictures of the supporters while sitting among them. This made the supporters suspicious, and they accused him of being a “state mercenary,” a term used for spies who work against opposition groups.
Other reports said that Katongole and another person had been singing songs that criticized the government and President Yoweri Museveni, as well as his son, who is the Chief of Defence Forces. The songs were heard just before the court session began.
Among those arrested was Umar Katongole, a councilor from Kira Division, confirmed Harold Kaija, the Secretary General of the Patriotic Front for Freedom (PFF), a group that broke away from the main opposition party, FDC. Sources close to the situation suggested that Katongole’s arrest might be linked to an earlier incident inside the courtroom.
Before the court session started, Besigye supporters had chased out a man they believed was a state spy. This man was seen secretly taking pictures of the supporters while sitting among them. This made the supporters suspicious, and they accused him of being a “state mercenary,” a term used for spies who work against opposition groups.
Other reports said that Katongole and another person had been singing songs that criticized the government and President Yoweri Museveni, as well as his son, who is the Chief of Defence Forces. The songs were heard just before the court session began.
Earlier, supporters had also been singing songs of encouragement to Besigye and his fellow accused, urging them to remain strong and hopeful. Some sang about believing that one day Museveni and his son would no longer be in power.
The arrests drew sharp criticism from lawyers and human rights defenders. Lawyer Eron Kiiza, who has himself faced arrests outside courts, strongly condemned the actions of the security officers. He said, “Courts should be safe places where people can seek justice without fear. Arrests like these turn courts into dangerous places and scare people away.”
Kiiza added that such arrests violate the Constitution’s vision of courts as sanctuaries of liberty and safety. He warned that continued arrests at court premises intimidate citizens and discourage them from accessing justice.
The arrests drew sharp criticism from lawyers and human rights defenders. Lawyer Eron Kiiza, who has himself faced arrests outside courts, strongly condemned the actions of the security officers. He said, “Courts should be safe places where people can seek justice without fear. Arrests like these turn courts into dangerous places and scare people away.”
Kiiza added that such arrests violate the Constitution’s vision of courts as sanctuaries of liberty and safety. He warned that continued arrests at court premises intimidate citizens and discourage them from accessing justice.
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