Presidential aspirants in Uganda namely Amama Mbabazi and Kizza Besigye who reportedly held a private meeting without seeking police permission have been arrested.
President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda
Two leading presidential election aspirants in Uganda have been arrested by the ruling government.
As reported by the state's media, Amama Mbabazi and Kizza Besigye were arrested on the grounds of holding a meeting without police permission.
Amama Mbabazi was arrested in eastern Jinja town, while Kizza Besigye was detained at his home in the capital, the New Vision newspaper said.
It should be recalled that both political heavyweights are former close allies of President Yoweri Museveni whose re-election bid next year is yet to be confirmed officially.
Last month, Mr. Mbabazi said he would challenge Mr. Museveni, 70, by seeking the nomination of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.
Mr. Museveni sacked Mr. Mbabazi as prime minister last year, ending a close working relationship of more than 20 years.
Mr. Mbabazi was arrested in Jinja as he headed out to canvass support in the eastern town of Mbale, reports said. Renegade army General David Sejusa was at the police station in Kampala where Mr. Mbabazi was being held to show solidarity with him, it added.
His spokesperson Josephine Mayanja-Nkangi revealed his daughter has also been arrested. She also said no charges have been brought against him.
Dr. Besigye, the former physician of Mr. Museveni, is seeking the presidential nomination of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party.
Mr. Museveni has ruled Uganda since 1986, and his critics said he has become increasingly repressive.