KAMPALA — Uganda’s military says a former ally of the longtime president who was recently fired as national police chief has been taken into custody for unspecified questioning.
The army says in a statement that Gen. Kale Kayihura is being held at a military barracks in the capital, Kampala.
The case signals apparent efforts by President Yoweri Museveni to remove people in his security forces thought to be disloyal.
Kayihura was once a loyal enforcer of the regime and earned the nickname “Mr. Tear Gas” for his efforts in breaking up opposition rallies.
But he fell out with Museveni amid reports he had become too powerful and enjoyed the personal loyalty of some in the security forces.
Some of Kayihura’s allies have been arrested.
Museveni has ruled Uganda since 1986.
