Uganda opposition candidate Kizza Besigye held by police 

• From the section

Image copyrightAP

Image captionMr Besigye, centre, was taken to a police station by riot police on his way to a campaign rally in downtown Kampala

One of Uganda's main opposition candidates has been detained by police ahead of presidential elections on Thursday.

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 office.

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.

Image copyrightAP

Image captionEye witnesses say the police fired tear gas. Mr Besigye, in the white shirt, shielded his eyes

Image copyrightAP

Image captionPeople shielded the opposition candidate after tear gas was fired in the crowd

Image copyrightBen Curtis

Image captionThe police insist they say they held the opposition leader because he disrupted traffic

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".

source.BBC