NUP KCCA speakers arrested over ‘free political prisoners’ demo

Police have arrested a team of National Unity Platform party councillors who this morning peacefully marched to parliament to demand for the release of all political prisoners languishing in detention.

The councillors who are mainly speakers of municipal councils included; Harris Akampurira (speaker of Kawempe division), Hamuza Kasozi (Speaker Nansana Municipal) and Najja Nassif (Speaker Wakiso district) among others.

They chained themselves and chanted slogans denouncing political persecution of opposition supporters.

“We call for the immediate release of all political prisoners. Being in opposition is not criminal. There is a reason why multiparty democracy was revived,” said speaker Hamuza Kasozi. “Why are our youth being abducted by security agencies? Why are they tortured in this era of civilization?,” he wondered.

The speakers were later overwhelmed by the police officers from CPS who whisked them off to be charged.

Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango says the team did not have clearance from the office of the IGP. He says they will be charged with unlawful assembly among others.