Uganda: Opposition Barred From Visiting Jailed Leaders

Richard Wanambwa and F. Lanyero

Kampala — Opposition politicians who tried to visit their jailed leaders, Dr Kizza Besigye and Mr Nobert Mao, were yesterday denied entry to Nakasongola Prison and allegedly harassed. The politicians, who travelled in two groups, included UPC's Olara Otunnu, who travelled with FDC's Anne Mugisha. They were asked to produce a letter from the Commissioner General of Prisons Johnson Byabashaija, which they did not have.

Mr Otunnu later told a press conference in Kampala that the reception was "hostile". Another group comprising MPs Alice Alaso, Elijah Okupa, Florence Ekwau and Patrick Amuriat, along with Joyce Ssebugwawo and Lutukumoi Mwaka, the DP spokesperson, were joined by Dr Olive Kobusingye (Dr Besigye's sister) for what proved to be a futile journey.

The prison authorities gave the excuse of Easter Monday, saying it was not a working day, to bounce the politicians. They, however, allowed CP leader Ken Lukyamuzi and other senior opposition figures together with foreign diplomats access at the weekend.
Mr Lutukumoi said the incident in Nakasongola was scandalous. "The environment was hostile. They are handling political leaders as if they are hard-core criminals. We were turned away and on insisting, they brought teargas canisters at the ready," he said. Meanwhile, Dokolo Woman MP-elect Cecilia Ogwal yesterday asked government to immediately publicise a detailed list of the people they have in detention.