afrol News, 14 November - After today's arrest of Kizza Besigye, Uganda's leading opposition figure, riots have broken out in Kampala. Mr Besigye, who recently returned from exile to stand candidate in the March 2006 presidential election, is charged with treason and could get the death sentence.

The leader of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party claimed he had won the 2001 presidential poll, which observers said were flawed. From late 2001 until three weeks ago, Mr Besigye has been in South African exile claiming authorities planned to kill him.

Returning to head the recently legalised FDC and once again challenge President Yoweri Museveni in elections, he has been received by cheering crowds in Kampala. Mr Besigye was already turning into the only opposition candidate that seriously could threaten President Museveni's re-election in March next year. His arrest today after a rally in Kampala thus came as a shock to his many followers.

According to Major-General Kale Kayhura, Uganda's Inspector-General of police, the opposition leader in public statements had justified violence and refused to renounce armed rebellion. "The director of public prosecutions has sanctioned that Dr Besigye be charged with treason under section 23 of the penal code," 'The Nation' quoted Mr Kayhura as saying.

Mr Besigye has denied these charges, adding that he is not connected to or in favour of any rebel groups. The government has on several occasions tried to link him to a rebel group based in neighbouring Congo Kinshasa (DRC). He also denies rape charges against him, claiming that all these charges are politically motivated.

There immediately broke out riot in Kampala as his arrest today was known among his supporters. Several hundreds poured out into the streets of Kampala, loudly protesting the arrest. As the protests are spreading all over the city, several shops and cars have been set on fire. Police are using teargas against the demonstrators, but are not in control of the situation.

The political leadership of Mr Besigye's FDC party has supported the protests. The party in statements this evening said that it would organise Ugandans to protest against the arrest. Other political and legal means were also being considered.

As the case currently stands, Mr Besigye can expect a long detention and treason case against him. There is little chance of him being cleared before the election campaigns in February if political pressure does not prompt a dismissal of the case. If found guilty, Mr Besigye could even face the death penalty.

Mr Besigye is an earlier close ally of President Museveni, fighting along with him in the rebellion of the 1980s and being his personal doctor. The 1991 presidential campaign, where the two were the main contesters, however was a very bitter battle.

By staff writers

© afrol News

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