By Patriot corps
The leadership of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Katonga faction has issued a one-week ultimatum before taking legal action against the Kenyan government through the East African Court of Justice and the United Nations over the deportation of its members.
Proscovia Salaamu Musumba, the National Vice Chairperson of FDC Katonga, addressed the press at the party’s Katonga Road offices in Kampala, stating that the grounds under which the 36 FDC members were deported were unlawful. Musumba emphasized that the FDC members were in Kenya legally and condemned the actions taken by both Ugandan and Kenyan authorities.
“We shall be presenting a protest note if no substantial feedback is received. This matter will be brought to the East African Court of Justice and the United Nations, as well as to the Kenyan parliament,” Musumba said.
The FDC Katonga faction, along with Makerere University students, marched to the Kenyan High Commission to present their petition but were intercepted by police due to the lack of prior notification.
Erias Lukwago, the interim president of the FDC Katonga faction, reported that during the march, 13 party leaders were arrested and detained at the Central Police Station. Among those arrested were Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura, Ingrid Turinawe, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, Harold Kaija, and Faridah Nangonzi.
Lukwago condemned the use of force by the police, describing the protest as peaceful and unjustifiably met with such measures. He announced plans to reconvene at Katonga to determine how to deliver the petition and seek bail for the detained leaders.
The 36 party members were arrested in Kisumu, Kenya, and deported back to Uganda on accusations of engaging in subversive activities. The FDC Katonga faction demands explanations and the immediate release of their members from Ugandan authorities.