KAMPALA, Uganda
The Mufti of Uganda sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje (pictured) Thursday May 13, called for unity among Ugandans and urged the president and the government to release all political prisoners.
“Let them be released, let them enjoy their freedom with
families. Some of them are Muslims and would love to celebrate Eid with their
families,” Sheikh Mubajje said during Eid prayers at Uganda National Mosque,
Old Kampala before reechoing president Museveni’s message that elections are
over.
He also asked security to pardon boda boda cyclists who had
been arrested or whose motorcycles had been impounded for allegedly violating
curfew hours.
“I see thousands of motorcycles at police
stations impounded for allegedly violating curfew hours. Let them be pardoned
to continue earning their daily bread. Now that elections are over, let’s
reunite, forget the past and continue with our lives as we strive to develop
this country. Let’s forgive those who wronged us in the past,” he added.
More than 70 people were detained over
allegedly planning to disrupt the swearing-in ceremony of President Yoweri
Museveni at Kololo Independence grounds yesterday.
A senior security officer has intimated to
URN that Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), Crime Intelligence and
Special Forces Command (SFC) has so far arrested 70 people.
The suspects, according to security
sources, are being detained in military cells particularly at CMI headquarters
in Mbuya and Special Investigations Division (SID) in Kireka, Wakiso district.
Police spokesperson, Fred Enanga, had earlier said only 41 people arrested for
allegedly planning protests and riots on the inauguration day.
Ugandan soldiers patrol near the house of Ugandan opposition presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine in Magere, Uganda.
“I want to tell you that we have so far recorded 70
suspects who have been picked up for intending to cause chaos on swearing-in
day. Several people were picked up on Monday and more are being hunted and they
will be arrested this night,” a source said.
CMI is commanded by Maj Gen Abel Kandiho, SFC is commanded
by Museveni’s son Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba while CI is commanded by Brig Gen
Chris Damulira. Col Deo Akiiki, the deputy UPDF spokesperson, said all military
elements are at their disposal to help police in ensuring that no one could
interrupt yesterday’s swearing-in.
On March 4, 2021, Internal Affairs Minister Jeje Odongo presented a list to parliament of 177 people in military detention who had
been arrested between November 18, 2020, and February 8, 2021, allegedly for
“participating in riots,” “possession of military stores,” and “meetings
planning post-election violence.”
On March 8, in a public letter to the media, President Yoweri Museveni said that 50 people are being held by the Special Forces Command, a unit of the ugandan army for "treasonable acts of elements of the opposition."
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