Uganda Police have sealed off Katonga Road near the offices of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) in Nakasero, Kampala, preventing party officials from proceeding to the High Court to deliver a petition concerning the continued detention and handling of Dr. Kizza Besigye’s case.
The procession, which was scheduled for 11 a.m., was organised by the PFF to deliver a petition calling for medical bail for opposition figures Dr. Kizza Besigye and Erias Lukwago, whose continued detention has remained a major concern among opposition supporters.
According to the PFF, the group had notified police about the planned procession a week earlier and requested security for the activity.
However, police deployed anti-riot units around the PFF offices, with checkpoints and spike barriers reportedly restricting movement in and around Katonga Road.
As PFF officials attempted to leave the premises, police blocked access to the road, effectively preventing the planned walk to the High Court.
PFF activist Maddo Isaac was also reportedly detained during the police operation, with the group alleging that he was subjected to forceful treatment.
PFF leaders, including Hon. Lulume Bayiga, reportedly attempted to engage and negotiate with police officers over the planned procession, but access to the headquarters and movement along Katonga Road remained restricted.
The petition was expected to formally outline the party’s concerns over the ongoing legal proceedings involving Besigye and call for what the officials consider fair and transparent handling of the case.
Besigye, a prominent opposition figure and former presidential candidate, has faced prolonged legal proceedings that have continued to attract significant public and political attention. The PFF has previously raised concerns about the treatment of opposition leaders and supporters, calling for respect for their rights and due process.
The latest police action has drawn criticism from the pro-democracy movement, which accused security agencies of unlawfully blocking its planned petition.
The PFF said it would not be deterred by the police action and indicated that further steps would be taken, while also calling for the release of several detained opposition leaders and activists.
It remains unclear whether the PFF officials will be allowed to deliver the petition through another route or whether it will instead be submitted to the court through their lawyers.
The confrontation comes amid continued tensions between Uganda’s security agencies and opposition groups over demonstrations, political activities and the detention of opposition figures.
