By Nasser Kasozi Akandwanaho
Presidential aspirant Gen Henry Tumukunde was today arrested by police and shortly detained at Njeru Municipality in Buikwe district.
Gen.Henry Tumukunde was arrested from a hotel called the Royal Paradise where he was political meeting with his campaign coordinators which police says the place was ot suitable for gathering as it was contravening the standard operating procedures of ministry of health
His arrest was orchestrated by police officers led by Hilary Mukiza, the officer in charge of Njeru police station.
Tumukunde was quickly bundled unto a police patrol registration number, UP5503 and taken to Njeru police station for questioning. He was later released in the evening of Monday and trailed until he reached Kampala.
Shafic Dembe, one of the coordinators of the Tumukunde task force, said, 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 have 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,” Shafic said.
According to Labson Kijjambu, the personal assistant to Gen. Tumukunde, he says that they had seven meetings in the district where they were consulting and collecting signatures from their supporters.
“We had organised seven meetings in different parts of the district but we were cut short in our first meeting at Royal Paradise in Naminya where Gen. Tumukunde had just started addressing his supporters. Many people were injured and Gen. Tumukunde was put in a police pick up and taken to Njeru police.” Kijjambu said.
Mr Kihamba adds that Gen Henry Tumukunde decided not to record any statement before his lawyers turn up.
When contacted the Ssezibwa region police commander, Hellen Butoto confirmed Tumukunde’s arrest but declined to divulge details.
She told the Homeland Newspaper that they would address the public on the matter in the shortest time possible after consultations.
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.
