Police Block Pro-Kayihura Rally

Police in Kisoro district have blocked a rally organised in support of arrested former Inspector General of Police, General Kale Kayihura.

Earlier, police deployed heavily in Kisoro town following news of a planned demonstration by locals and political leaders against the arrest of Kayihura.

Kayihura is a son of the late John Kalekyezi popularly known as John Kale, a native of Rwanyonga in Gisoro, Nyakabande in Kisoro District.   He was picked up from his home in Kasagama, Lyantonde District on Wednesday afternoon and airlifted to Mbuya Military Barracks.

Local reports indicate that Kayihura is now detained at Makindye Military Barracks alongside four other senior police officers arrested over the last two days. The army has remained silent on the exact cause of his arrest.

But locals and leaders in Kisoro district are describing the arrest as shameful and unfair. Several protestors are now converging at Kisoro Mayors Gardens with placards for a demonstration through the streets of Kisoro town.

One of the locals revealed that Kayihura did not deserve such humiliation since he is a loyal, dedicated and non-selfish cadre to the ruling National Resistance Movement-NRM government. He says that the protest is aimed at expressing disgust at the government for victimizing Kayihura.

Heavily armed anti-riot police personnel have now sealed off the Mayor’s gardens and blocked its access to the public. Groups of armed men are patrolling the area both on foot and using patrol vehicles.

Kisoro District Police Commander Charles Okotto declined to comment on the deployment. But, the Police Spokesperson for Kigezi region, Elly Maate says that police have deployed after getting information about a planned illegal demonstration.

Maate says that police are reliably informed that the protesters were last night mobilized by the Kisoro District Chairperson, Abel Bizimana through social media.  Maate says that police will quell any protest that is not in line with the Public Order Management Act.