Bobi Wine expected in court as opposition leaders are detained in homes
Firebrand Ugandan MP Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, is expected to appear before a military court on Thursday to face charges of treason and illegal possession of firearms.
Bobi Wine and 32 other people were arrested in Arua Municipality, northern Uganda, last week following a spate of violence that engulfed the area on the final day of campaigns in a by-election.
His arraignment in court is expected to heighten tensions in the Ugandan capital.
Ugandan opposition leader Kiiza Besigye on Thursday said police has detained him at his home in Kampala.
The 62-year old veteran politician posted the claim on his official Twitter page, saying the clampdown iis an effort by the authorities to bar them from attending the trial of Bobi Wine.
Every way out of my home is barricaded since very early today. The intention is to deny us freedom to move & to be at the Military Court where @HEBobiwine is to be produced this morning.
The struggle for freedom &sovereignty won't be blocked! Museveni Must Go.@PGovUg @ntvuganda pic.twitter.com/3AbXlChF0n— Kifefe Kizza-Besigye (@kizzabesigye1) August 23, 2018
Another opposition politician Ingrid Turinawe is also said to have been detained at her home.
Besigye and Turinawe have in the past been instrumental in the protests against President Yoweri Museveni.
Police spokesperson Emilian Kayima is quoted by NTV as saying the detained politicians were planning to cause riots in the city and the decision to hold them in their homes is a preventive measure.