Uganda’s main opposition presidential candidate, Kizza Besigye, was stopped twice as he attempted to reach campaign stops. Tear gas and rubber bullets were used against protesters with reports of some deaths.
Many residents of Uganda’s capital, Kampala, were surprised after the presidential candidate for the Forum for Democratic Change, Dr. Kizza Besigye, was twice forced to halt his procession on the way to scheduled campaign rallies, Deutsche Welle reported.
CP Fred Enanga, press and public relations officer for the Ugandan Police, said Besigye had been asked to change his route.
“The police engaged with him and his campaign officials to alter the route plan, since it was not appropriate, as it would paralyze business and easily promote tension within the city and attract violence,” he said.
The election will take place on Thursday. The sitting president, Yoweri Museveni, has been ruling the East African country for 30 years.
Many observers think that this election could be the closest in the country’s history. Ahead of the final day for campaigning, all candidates had planned a full schedule of election speeches.
There are unconfirmed reports that up to three people were killed in the violence. A police spokesperson said one person died at Mulago Hospital after being hit by a stray bullet but authorities have not released a name.
