20110426
East African

Kampala — Ugandan opposition leaders were Monday morning blocked from visiting their detained colleagues Kizza Besigye and Norbert Mao.

The opposition leaders engaged in a stand off with Nakasongola Civil prisons officials for over two hours.

Uganda People's Congress (UPC) head Olara Otunnu and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) official Anne Mugisha had tried visit Dr Besigye and Mr Mao who are detained in the prison.

The two leaders landed in prison after repeatedly leading the twice weekly walk to work demonstrations.

The Nakasongola prisons officials reportedly denied the UPC and FDC delegations access to the imprisoned leaders because prisoners are not allowed visitors over weekends and public holidays.

Christians were Monday celebrating Easter holiday. However, Ms Mugisha disputed the holiday claim, saying another party official, Mr Ken Lukyamuzi, was granted access to Dr Besigye on Saturday last week.

That was the third time that the UPC party President had been blocked from accessing the prison to visit his fellow opposition leaders.

Mr Otunnu had tried to access the prison on Tuesday and Friday but was stopped.