By Gerald Tenywa

ENCROACHERS in South Busoga forest reserve in Mayuge on Saturday turned violent, beating more than 30 people and abducting Carol Kunihira, an official of the National Forestry Authority (NFA).

Kunihira, the latest victim of running battles between the encroachers and the NFA, sustained a deep cut on the face.

They also frog-matched her to Bwodha fishing village, 15 kilometres away on the shores of Lake Victoria, where she was held by the mob until the district Police Commander (DPC) and Patrol Police intervened.

Speaking in an interview, DPC Clement Nibingira said 10 encroachers had been arrested.

He said they had gathered evidence implicating the suspects, who reportedly burnt a motorcycle belonging to NFA. He also said the suspects stole Kunihira’s cellphone, jacket, helmet and sh600,000 meant for workers’ pay.

NFA law enforcement chief Samwiri Rwabwogo said they would resist new encroachers in the reserve.

Mayuge LC5 chief Bakari Ikoba said about 300 people had camped at the district to protest eviction.