Less than two weeks after the arrest and beating of Ugandan MP Bobi Wine, Kizza Besigye, one of the country’s most prominent opposition politicians, has been arrested outside of his residence in Uganda. Besigye, long-time leader of the country’s preeminent opposition party, has run against current President Museveni in four previous presidential elections – losing each time. His arrest, though not unprecedented, is emblematic of the serious nature of what’s transpiring in Uganda.
Another top Ugandan opposition figure has been arrested amid the uproar over a pop star-turned-opposition lawmaker being charged with treason.
Police spokesman Emilian Kayima says former presidential candidate Kizza Besigye was arrested outside his home when he tried to force his way out.
Kayima also says police have deployed, under what he calls “preventive arrest,” at the homes of certain Ugandans after receiving intelligence that some “wanted to engage in criminal activities.”
Besigye has been arrested many times over the years.
The arrests come amid Ugandans’ anger over the treatment of Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, whose stage name is Bobi Wine.