MUGABE R
Security agencies in Rukungiri District, led by Officer-in-Charge (OC) Rukungiri Central Police Station, Afande Michael Kisakye, blocked a general prayer event organized by Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) members today, Tuesday, November 26th, 2024. The prayers were intended for their jailed president, retired Colonel Dr. Kizza Besigye Kifefe, and Hajj Abed Rutale Kamuregyeya.
Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajj Abed Rutale were abducted in Kenya on Saturday, 16th November 2024, deported to Uganda on treason charges, and are currently detained under a court martial.
FDC supporters, in collaboration with their party chaplains, organized the prayers to seek God’s mercy for the transfer of Dr. Besigye and Hajj Rutale’s hearing from the court-martial to civil courts and justice for all detained opposition leaders and what they termed “political prisoners.”
The prayers, scheduled for 10:00 AM at the district headquarters along Republic Road in Rukungiri Municipality, were disrupted as police and UPDF personnel surrounded the venue and blocked the event.
Caleb Musimenta, Office Administrator for FDC/People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), condemned the police action, stating that local authorities had been informed about the event. He described the disruption as unjustified and unlawful.
Caleb also revealed plans to petition the Rukungiri Resident District Commissioner (RDC) on Wednesday, 27th November 2024, seeking presidential intervention to remove the treason charges against Dr. Besigye or transfer them to civil court, as he is a civilian.
Rukungiri Deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC) Wilberforce Ahimbisibwe Ongom confirmed the disruption, attributing it to a lack of proper communication between organizers and security agencies.
OC Kisakye declined to comment on the operation’s motive, while District Police Commander (DPC) Afande Apollo Kyangungu was unavailable.
A small group, led by Pastor Kishakyakatonda Libert of Bikurungu Full Gospel Church, accessed the venue and offered encouragement. Pastor Libert urged resilience and reminded participants that success comes from God, not human power or weapons.
The prayers were organized under the theme “Praying for the King’s Success,” inspired by Psalms 20, with a local translation, “Okushabira Omugabe Obusinguzi.”
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