Security has confirmed that a total of 40 supporters of the opposition National Unity Platform Party (NUP) are in custody following their arrest for allegedly inciting violence during the Thursday one million march.

SP Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, said those arrested include Busiro South Member of Parliament, Matovu Charles.

This figure is contrary to 300 people who were believed to have been arrested by security, according to NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine.

“Various items intended for use in processions, such as red berets, handheld megaphone speakers, and white and red T-shirts branded “Kunga Uganda,” were recovered and exhibited,” said SP Onyango.

Without specifying where the suspects are being held, SP Onyango said relevant statements were taken, and all 40 arrested suspects underwent fingerprinting and profiling.

Major General Geoffrey Katsigazi Tumusiime, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, condemned the arrest of journalists, saying it will be investigated and those behind it will be punished. The journalists who were briefly held at Entebbe Police Station accused the police of brutality.

On Thursday, after being dropped off at his home, Magere, the NUP leader, Robert Kyagulanyi, asked security authorities to release over 300 supporters who were arrested for organizing the flopped One Million March.

Kyagulanyi was picked up on Thursday, October 5th, from Entebbe International Airport by security and whisked to Magere, his residential home in Wakiso District.

“In the strongest terms possible, I condemn the brutal treatment of journalists from different media houses by regime operatives today. They were beaten, pepper sprayed, and their gadgets confiscated before many were arrested and taken to Entebbe Police. They were targeted for covering some of the abductions, violent arrests, and the manner in which I was arrested at the airport. Like we constantly say, under a criminal regime, everyone is a victim. We must work collectively to redeem Motherland from this mess!” said Kyagulanyi.