Police arrest, tear gas Uganda's opposition leader

An Associated Press reporter who witnessed the arrest says Kizza Besigye locked himself inside his vehicle and that police used an axe and the butts of their guns to smash open the windscreen. Police then fired tear gas into the vehicle.

Uganda's opposition leader and former presidential candidate, Kizza Besigye, leaves Chief Magistrates Court, in Nakasongola, Uganda, on Wednesday. Photo: AP.

Police in Uganda have again arrested the country’s top opposition leader during a protest march.

An Associated Press reporter who witnessed the arrest says Kizza Besigye locked himself inside his vehicle and that police used an axe and the butts of their guns to smash open the windscreen. Police then fired tear gas into the vehicle.

Judith Nabakooba, a police spokeswoman, said Mr. Besigye was arrested for causing chaos. She said that his supporters hurled stones at passing vehicles.

The arrest is Mr. Besigye’s fifth for participating in “walk to work” protests. Mr. Besigye, who says he is protesting government corruption and high food and fuel prices, came second to President Yoweri Museveni in Uganda’s February presidential election.