Written By | Peter Luzinda
The security deployment at the party’s headquarters on Katonga Road started early Monday morning
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KAMPALA
Police on Monday surrounded the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) offices in Nakasero and arrested an activist as the opposition party prepared to hold a procession calling for bail for detained leaders.
The security deployment at the party’s headquarters on Katonga Road started early Monday morning, with anti-riot police, the Field Force Unit and traffic officers blocking access to the offices.
PFF identified the detained activist as Maddo Isaac.
In a statement posted on X, the party said Mr Maddo was detained while attempting to access the offices.
PFF said it had notified the police of its plan to hold a peaceful procession from Katonga Road to the Chief Justice’s office, where it intended to deliver a petition.
The procession was scheduled for 11am.
The party said its petition would focus on the continued detention of Dr Kizza Besigye, Hajji Obeid Lutale and Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, among others.
PFF had earlier asked the Inspector General of Police to provide security and guidance for the procession, according to Deputy Chairman for Buganda, Dr Lulume Bayiga.
But on Monday, police blocked access to the party offices and deployed officers along Katonga Road and neighbouring streets.
Roadblocks were reported near Freeway Hotel and the Tanzanian Embassy, while security personnel were also deployed around Mackinnon Road, Jaffer Lane and Lugogo Bypass.
The party accused police of abusing their powers following Mr Maddo’s arrest and said it would continue with its activities.
Besigye has remained in detention since his arrest in Nairobi in November 2024 and is facing treason-related charges.
Lukwago, who has also served in the leadership of PFF and represented Besigye as a lawyer, was arrested in June and charged with misprision of treason.
PFF has repeatedly called for bail for the detained opposition figures, citing their prolonged detention and health concerns.
Police had not issued a detailed statement explaining the reasons for Monday’s operation by the time of publication.
The deployment prevented the planned procession from leaving the PFF headquarters.
