Police and Army Disrupt FDC Prayers for Besigye and Lutale in Rukungiri

Rukungiri: Security forces in Rukungiri district on November 26, disrupted a planned prayer meeting organized by the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) to pray for the incarcerated Col. (Rtd) Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya.

Speaking to our news reporter at the FDC offices along Republic Road in Rukungiri town, FDC District Secretary Caleb Musimenta expressed frustration over the disruption. He said he arrived at the office at 7:00 am to prepare for the prayers when security personnel ordered him and his team to vacate the premises.

Musimenta noted that the party had adhered to all police requirements, including written notice of the gathering and an agreement to avoid processions in town, given Dr. Besigye’s national stature. He also revealed that the event was to be led by Nyakibale Catholic Parish in collaboration with religious leaders from the Anglican and Born-Again communities.

Attempts to reach the Rukungiri District Police Commander (DPC) for comment were unsuccessful as the DPC was reportedly on leave. However, Deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC) Wilberforce Ongom Ahimbisibwe claimed that security was unaware of the gathering. He added that they deployed forces to ensure safety, suspecting that the event might involve more than prayers since no official communication had been received.

Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Lutale are currently on remand at Luzira Prison on charges relating to national security. The General Court Martial, chaired by Brig. Freeman Mugabe, alleges that the two illegally possessed firearms and ammunition and conducted meetings abroad to solicit logistical support and identify military targets in Uganda. These meetings allegedly took place in Nairobi (Kenya), Athens (Greece), and Geneva (Switzerland) between October 2023 and November 2024.

Prosecutors claim that the actions were intended to compromise the security of Uganda’s Defence Forces.