Uganda Police spent much of Thursday morning and afternoon in running battles with opposition supporters in different  streets of the capital Kampala.

Uganda police on guard

Police Spokesperson Judith Nabakooba says a group of opposition protesters tried to disrupt business in Nakasero market and the new taxi part which prompted the police to react.

The protests turned violent when local musician Eddie Yawe who was a candidate for Kampala Central race was intercepted at Post Office building on Kampala road.

A group of youths from adjoining roads especially Dastur Street started pelting the police with stones and sticks, which promoted the police to fire teargas.

The protesters claimed they wanted to go and liberate Democratic Party president Nobert Mao, Forum for Democratic Change President, Kizza Besigye and other opposition leaders. Mao was arrested and imprisoned on Monday, while Besigye who has been arrested four times was finally imprisoned on Thursday. Mao and Besigye are being held at Nakasongola state prison.