National Unity Platform party president Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine has condemned what he called ‘illegal detention’ of the Nakaseke South Member of Parliament- Hon Lutamaguzi Ssemakula.
Lutamaguzi was arrested this week in his constituency on grounds of illegal organization of public rallies which is contrary to the measures that were put in place to combat the spread of COVID-19. He was remanded at Wanyoto prison on Thursday August 37 until September 3.
Bobi Wine noted that as the government targets opposition politicians, their ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) counterparts are “left with all the freedom of doing what they want.”
“The violent arrest and detention of Hon Lutamaguzi Ssemakula is not only unfortunate but an indication of the double standards of this regime. While NRM politicians go on holding massive rallies, processions and meetings, this is how they treat leaders who are opposed to the regime,” he lamented.
He noted that using all avenues, opposition will fight for their rights, “We should and shall all demand for fairness and equal treatment of all Ugandans.”
In his new directives on political gatherings, President Yoweri Museveni instructed the Inspector General of Police Mr. Martin Okoth Ochola to arrest every politician irrespective of the political party who breaks COVID-19 preventive measures.
Museveni, who was concerned about how a section of politicians are handling the pandemic said, “You cannot, if you care about Ugandans say: Because Hon. Aceng and Hon. Nabakooba have made mistakes (letting people gather), therefore, let all of us behave recklessly and many of us die.”
He added, “Regarding the politicians that have been gathering people contrary to the guidelines, my order to the IGP is now out. The order now is do not put yourself in a situation where people gather around you and if you do, we shall arrest you.”
The president emphasized that no public meetings of any type have been allowed since March except the one following the guidelines.
