Police has refuted claims that one person was shot dead by a police officer during clashes with chaotic supporters in Rukungiri who were attending a consultation meeting on the proposed Presidential age limit amendment. It is reported that one person was killed by a bullet but Police spokesperson for the Kigezi Region Elly Matte says the deceased was hit by a stone.
Commotion ensued when police blocked opposition’s Dr. Kizza Besigye from proceeding to Rukungiri town which angered his supporters. They turned chaotic demanding that police lets Besigye to move on which prompted firing of teargas to disperse a crowd that was beginning to grow.
It is suspected that someone was hit by a stray bullet which killed him on spot.
“He had a wound on one side of the head but if it was a bullet, they would be two wounds,” Matte said, referring to the deceased whom he added was killed by a stone.
Matte disclosed that several cars have been vandalized in the chaos and that some police officers were assaulted.
“We have not made any arrests because in such scenarios, arrests can only worsen the situation. But we are going to summon the individuals who organized the event an hold them responsible,” Matte said.
He stated that the Public Order Management Act (POMA) provides that in case of any shortcomings during a public event, the event organizer will be held responsible.
However, ‘Togikwatako’ campaigner and FDC supporter Brian Atuheire who is in Rukungiri has told SoftPower on phone that police shot at people during the scuffle and 2 have succumbed to the gunshots. MP Francis Mwijukye has also put the number of the dead to 2. Police is yet to confirm this.
Besigye and Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago were attending a rally in Rukungiri where Municipality MP Roland Kaginda was slated to gather views from his constituents regarding the Age Limit Bill.
The Police head of operations Asuman Mugenyi on Tuesday dispacthed a directive to all police stations in Uganda prohibiting MPs from holding consultations outside their constituencies.
“Consultations should not include illegal demonstrations, illegal processions, inciting violence and use of hate campaigns,” read the message by AIGP Asuman Mugyenyi.
