Ugandan police arrest protest leader who has become the president's most prominent opponent

KAMPALA, Uganda – Ugandan police have arrested a protest leader outside his home near the capital.

Police spokesman Ibn Senkumbi said opposition leader Kizza Besigye was detained for questioning on Friday following a confrontation with the police. Ugandan police frequently block Besigye from leaving his home, accusing him of plotting to hold illegal rallies. They said he tried to force his way out.

Besigye, a three-time presidential candidate, is trying to revamp a protest movement against President Yoweri Museveni, who has held power for 28 years.

Last year lawmakers passed a bill that gives police discretionary powers to allow or disallow public meetings.

Human Rights Watch says in a new report that throughout 2013 "opposition politicians faced arrest, detention, and criminal charges for holding public assemblies in Uganda."