Africa News
Detained Ugandan opposition leader to apply for bail
By DPA
Nov 16, 2005, 19:00 GMT

Kampala - Uganda\'s main opposition leader, colonel Kizza Besigye who is facing treason and rape charges is to apply for bail in the high Court on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, shops remained closed in the capital Kampala as people feared another day of massive looting which occurred during protests against Beisigye\'s arrest on Monday and Tuesday.

The retired army officer had appeared before a Kampala district court on Tuesday and was later committed to the high court and remanded at a maximum prison near Kampala.

The situation in Kampala was calm Wednesday morning although dozens of armed military personnel were patrolling the streets along with anti-riot police.

Shop owners were huddled in groups on the verandahs of their premises, unsure of what may happen next. Windows in many shop fronts had been smashed during the protests.

Broken glass, piles of paper boxes, overturned burnt kiosks and telephone booths, destroyed fridges and burnt out tyres were littering the streets.

\'My fridge was completely destroyed and all my wares looted. This was done yesterday by marauding youths. When will this thing end?,\' asked a 67-year old trader Hajjat Namutebi.

Besigye, the main opposition contender in the 2006 general elections, had been second to Museveni in polls four years ago but left the country subsequently, saying he he feared for his life.

He returned in October to register as presidential candidate for next year\'s election but was arrested Monday on his return from one of the many political rallies he had been addressing following his return.