The PFF Chairperson in Jinja West constituency, Paul Kawanguzi, said that they had informed the police about their plans to hold peaceful prayers only to be blocked.
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Police seals off part Kakindu stadium.
The Police in the Kiira region on Wednesday blocked members of the People's Front for Freedom-PFF from holding prayers for their leader, Kiiza Besigye.
Armed personnel from the UPDF and police sealed off Kakindu stadium, denying access to all PFF members who had already camped outside.
Several plain-clothed security personnel pitched camp in all open spaces across Jinja city's business district, restricting access to ensure that PFF members don't hold prayers unnoticed.
All police patrol vehicles from the field force unit were seen inspecting different streets across Jinja city's CBD.
The members say that their leader is in frail health and requires supernatural healing from God. They say that as his lawyers intensify their pursuit of justice through legal means, the prayers are an equally complimentary measure geared towards strengthening Besigye as he endures the pains of both frail health and trial.
The PFF Chairperson in Jinja West constituency, Paul Kawanguzi, said that they had informed the police about their plans to hold peaceful prayers only to be blocked.
Kawanguzi says that they mobilized Besigye's supporters and friends in anticipation of a peaceful process, only to be met with resistance from security personnel.
Kawanguzi notes that freedom of worship is everyone's right, which the state should jealously protect rather than violate.
Kawanguzi argues that the state should provide room for all Ugandans to freely express themselves more so in circumstances, which do not violate the rights of others like peaceful prayers.
Abbey Mwase, the central east ward male councillor says that their meeting was organized in a public place, with free access to whoever was interested in solidarity prayers for Besigye and blamed security agencies for overstretching their force in seemingly peaceful activities.
Mwase alleges that security agencies threatened all the clergy from presiding over their prayer sessions, which is a complete violation of the people's right to freedom of worship.
Sarah Apale, the women's councillor for Magwa ward says that they are not intimidated by police actions and will continue to use different fronts in advocating for Besigye's freedom.
Apale describes Besigye as a freedom fighter, whose scope of influence stretches through both the young generations and adults alike, warranting different voices to agitate for his freedom.
However, the Kiira regional police spokesperson, James Mubi faults PFF members for illegal assembly, which would overly antagonize the operations of others.
Mubi also accused members of forcefully occupying Kakindu stadium without liaising with the Jinja city authorities who are the sole custodians of the facility and they only deployed armed personnel to deter any improprieties.
