Presidential hopeful and aspirant Gen Henry Tumukunde was yesterday arrested in Njeru Municipality in Njeru town, Buikwe district.
Tumukunde was arrested from Royal Paradise hotel where he was meeting about 10 of his campaign coordinators. He was arrested by police officers led by Hillary Mukiza, the officer in charge of Njeru police station.
After being arrested, he was bundled unto a police patrol registration number, UP5503 and taken to Njeru police station for questioning. He was later released, however the reason for his arrest is still unknown.
Sheikh Abubaker Kayiwa, one of the coordinators, says they were puzzled about why the general was picked up since no other person was arrested from the meeting. Police later said he had been arrested for flouting coronavirus prevention standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“We tried asking them why they are arresting him and upon whose command, all that they are saying is that orders are coming from above. They are still holding him but we are not going to leave police before he is released,” Kayiwa has said.
The Ssezibwa region police commander, Hellen Butoto confirmed Tumukunde’s arrest but declined to divulge details. The arrest of Tumukunde comes a few days after he officially announced his plans to hold nationwide consultation on his presidential ambitions after picking his nomination forms.
Tumukunde is running as an independent candidate under a pressure group named Kisoboka.
Additional info from URN