Uganda police force has warned members of the public to desist from engaging in unlawful protests that could result into loss of lives.
This was a message delivered by the Inspector General of Police Okoth Martin Ochola during a press briefing at his office in Naguru this afternoon.
According to the IGP’s statement, one person identified as Samuel Ssekiziyivu was shot dead by police that was trying to handle riots that erupted on Sunday afternoon in Mityana town.
The late Ssekiziyivu was travelling in a commuter taxi Reg. No. UBA 869C in which five other people were injured. The IGP explains that the rioters interfered with traffic flow, burnt tires and allegedly occasioned harm on innocent civilians in Mityana town.
The rioters were protesting against the torture of their area MP Hon. Francis Zaake who was beaten to pulp in Arua on Monday last week. Zaake was later brought to Rubaga hospital by unknown people. He is steadily recovering. President Yoweri Museveni also issued a statement on Sunday claiming Zaake had escaped from police custody.
Ochola identified those injured in the Sunday riots as; Jalia Nakiryowa, Ssengooba Derrick, Muwonge Reagan, and Asiimwe David who were rushed to Mityana hospital and later referred to Mulago hospital. However, Ssengooba Derrick is said to have been discharged last evening after recovering.
Mr. Ochola calls the murder of Ssekiziyivu and injury of five others regrettable and unacceptable, blaming the rioters. He warned members of the public not to engage in such criminal acts.
“Members of the public are reminded to desist from such riots because they are unacceptable, unlawful and criminal. We promise to investigate this matter to its logical conclusion” the IGP added.
Also, the two officers who discharged shots at the scene are being investigated to establish who could have shot the deceased. The duo is identified as; No. 36334 Kefa Moshi and No. 54214 Cheptai Morris. These are being investigated on the charge of murder and attempted murder in relation to the incident.
Police also arrested 23 suspects during the riots. The individuals, according to the IGP will be screened, fully investigated and those culpable will be taken to court for prosecution on the offences of inciting violence, threatening violence, unlawful assembly and malicious damage to property.
