Ugandan police have announced that they will lift a six-week house arrest imposed on main opposition leader Kizza Besigye.
Uganda police to withdraw from Besigye's home
The Inspector General of Police, Edward Kayihura also said that police deployment in Besigye’s home in the capital Kampala will be removed.
Making the announcement, Kayihura reiterated that the decision is not an April fool’s prank.
VIDEO: IGP Kayihura announces end of Besigye home police siege, however the police will watch his conduct he says pic.twitter.com/ngFudg99jY— NBS Television (@nbstv) April 1, 2016
Besigye was placed under house arrest as a ‘security precautionary measure’ on February 20, two days after the presidential elections. He was previously arrested on several occasions before and after the elections.
The February polls saw incumbent Yoweri Museveni secure yet another term in office after he garnered 60.8 percent of the votes according to the electoral commission. Besigye received 35.4 percent.
His frequent arrests have often attracted the eyes of the international community who accuse the government of harassment.
During this period, the politician failed to file an election petition in the stipulated duration.
Last month, Besigye released a video condemning his detention and stated he will seek compensation and damages in court.
Museveni defended the arrests of Besigye insisting it was a preventive measure to ensure that he does not cause chaos.
The withdrawal of the police from Besiye’s home comes a day after the country’s supreme court declared Museveni as the winner of the country’s February presidential polls.