KAMPALA — Police on Monday blocked a planned procession by the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) in Kampala and arrested one of the party’s activists.
Security officers surrounded the PFF headquarters on Plot 6, Katonga Road, Nakasero, ahead of the planned procession.
The party said activist Maddo Isaac was arrested while attempting to access the offices.
PFF said it had notified police about the procession and requested security for members who planned to walk from the party headquarters to the Chief Justice’s office to deliver a petition.
The procession, scheduled for 11am, was intended to call for action over the continued detention of opposition figures, including Dr Kizza Besigye, Hajji Obeid Lutale and Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
In a statement on X, PFF said Mr Maddo was “violently bundled up and detained” as he attempted to enter the party offices.
The party accused security agencies of abusing their powers and said it would continue with its planned activities.
By Monday morning, officers from the Field Force Unit, anti-riot and traffic police had been deployed around Katonga Road. Roadblocks were reported near Freeway Hotel and the Tanzanian Embassy, while police patrols were seen on surrounding streets.
PFF Deputy Chairman for Buganda, Dr Lulume Bayiga, said last week that the party had written to the Inspector General of Police notifying him of the planned procession and requesting security arrangements.
The party said the procession was also intended to campaign for bail for detained opposition leaders and highlight concerns about their health and continued detention.
Besigye has been in detention since his arrest in Nairobi in November 2024 and faces treason-related charges.
Lukwago was arrested in June and charged with misprision of treason. He has also been involved in Besigye’s legal representation.
Police had not issued a detailed statement by Monday afternoon explaining the deployment around the PFF offices or the arrest of Mr Maddo.
The security operation effectively halted the procession before it could leave the PFF headquarters.
