20120125
AFP
Ugandan police clashed with opposition supporters in Kampala Tuesday after security forces tried to detain opposition leader Kizza Besigye following a protest rally over rising living costs.

Police fired tear gas at protesters after they started throwing stones following an unsuccessful attempt by a plainclothed security agent to drag Besigye into a waiting van, an AFP photographer at the scene said.

Opposition activists are holding a series of daily rallies around Kampala to protest against rising prices, with a major demonstration planned in the capital on Saturday.

Police on Thursday detained Besigye and other opposition leaders as they headed to a rally before releasing them without charge.

Uganda's police chief played down Tuesday's incident, saying the rally had passed mainly peacefully.

"A small minority of people still appear reluctant to comply with the lawful instruction of police," Kale Kayihura said in a statement. "The (police) will not allow this tiny minority to threaten public safety, security and peace of mind."

Last year at least 10 people died and hundreds were arrested when security forces clamped down on similar protests.