Former Ugandan prime minister Amama Mbabazi has expressed fears of a government plan to arrest him on framed up charges.

Mr Mbabazi, who remains the ruling NRM’s secretary-general, was sacked from Cabinet on September 18. President Yoweri Museveni later said he sacked Mr Mbabazi for his involvement in divisive activities which he did not elaborate.

Mr Mbabazi’s sacking has been interpreted as a punishment for his perceived presidential bid in 2016, although he has persistently denied the claim.

READ: Does Mbabazi pose real threat to Museveni?

Law firms representing Mr Mbabazi have written to the Inspector-General of Police, Gen Kale Kayihura, and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, seeking verification of reports that there is an impending plan to arrest the former prime minister and subject him to humiliating and degrading treatment.

“Our client’s attention has been drawn to various print and electronic media reports indicating that your respective offices are conducting criminal investigations… with intent to charge him with trumped up serious criminal charges of fraud and money-laundering which are politically motivated,” the lawyers stated.

'No persecution'

However, Gen Kayihura denied knowledge of any such investigation, saying: “I am not aware of any investigations. At least I am not investigating anything,” adding: “I have not received this letter.”

Since being sacked and subsequently forced to take leave of party activities by the ruling National resistance Movement (NRM) central executive committee, Mr Mbabazi has refused to comment on anything concerning his relationship with government or issues in the NRM.

In Parliament on Wednesday, Mr Mbabazi's successor as prime minister, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, denied claims that the State was persecuting his predecessor.

“I do not have reliable information that my brother is being persecuted,” Dr Rugunda told the House, adding: “Uganda is a free country and anybody should be treated with dignity and Amama should not be exclusively targeted.”

Government spokesman Ofwono Opondo also said he was not aware of any investigations against Mr Mbabazi.

Some media reports have indicated that the former prime minister is being investigated over fraud and money-laundering. However, government officials named as heading the investigations deny any such investigations.