Uganda opposition candidate Besigye held by police

KAMPALA, 15 Feb - (ANA) -  - One of Uganda's main opposition candidates has been detained by police ahead of presidential elections on Thursday, according to eye witnesses. Kizza Besigye has been arrested on many occasions in past but this is the first time during this election campaign. Mr Besigye has since lost three disputed elections against the long-time leader Yoweri Musevini.Mr Museveni, 71, has been in power for 30 years and is running for a fifth term in power. The BBC's Catherine Byaruhanga reports that Mr Besigye's car was driving along one of main highways in Uganda's capital, Kampala, and escorted by hundreds of supporters. Witnesses say teargas was fired to disperse the crowd. The police have told our correspondent that he is not under arrest but is being held because he disobeyed orders not to disrupt city traffic. They say he should be released soon and taken to his next rally, she adds. Mr Besigye used to be President Museveni's personal doctor, but he went on to become his political opponent and has referred to him as a "dictator". (ANA)

FA/ANA/15 February 2016--------