Amama Mbabazi

Police have arrested two presidential hopefuls. Former prime minister Amama Mbabazi, who wants to challenge President Yoweri Museveni for the ruling party’s candidacy ahead of 2016 elections, was detained while he was on his way to meet supporters at Mbale.

Andrew Felix Kawesi, Uganda Police operations commander, confirmed the arrest to journalists in Njeru. Kawesi says Mbabazi has to stick to what the law requires .

In June police had banned Mbabazi from holding meetings to promote his challenge against Museveni, saying their party had not yet nominated a candidate. Mbabazi was travelling to Mbale, to do a consultative meeting with his supporters and promote his candidature.

Kizza Besigye

Police also arrested opposition leader Kizza Besigye, early today Thursday morning as he left his house in Kasangati. Reports say that Besigye had just left his home this morning going to the American Embassy for a meeting with the ambassador when police intercepted him and ordered him either to return home or be arrested.

He refused to return home and was immediately arrested and taken to Nagalama Police Post.