By Joyce Namutebi, Mary Karugaba, Charles Jjuuko and Catherine Bekunda

MILITARY and Anti-Riot Police yesterday blocked the Katikkiro (premier), J B Walusimbi, from proceeding to Kayunga.

Walusimbi was leading a team of Mengo ministers in preparation of the visit of the Kabaka, Ronald Mutebi, to Bugerere.

They were blocked at Ssezibwa Bridge by a force commanded by the deputy director of operations, Grace Turyagumanawe.

As the vehicles neared the bridge, a patrol vehicle, a Mamba and Policemen wielding guns, batons and tear gas canisters blocked the road.

“I know you are blocking me, but I’m going to tell these young people (in Kayunga) to keep peace,” the Katikkiro told Turyagumanawe as soon as he opened his car door.

When Turyagumanawe advised him not to proceed, the premier replied: “I am not the Kabaka. I am a simple mukopi (commoner) like you. The Katikkiro has no problem. He can speak to anybody.”

The Police spokesperson, Judith Nabakoba, told the media: “The Katikkiro cannot go because the security situation is not good on the ground. There is tension. We ask him to stop here.”

The Mengo team left the area after the Police commander instructed them to head back to Kampala.

In Kayunga town, mambas and Police vehicles were seen patrolling the roads all day. All vehicles entering the town were thoroughly checked

In Kampala, MPs yesterday expressed concern over the outbreak of violence in the city.

“I move a motion that Parliament debates issues of riots in the city and adjourns. Let the Minister of Internal Affairs explain to Parliament what is taking place,” said Tororo County MP Geoffrey Ekanya (FDC).

The deputy speaker, Rebecca Kadaga, immediately called back state minister Matia Kasaija, who assured MPs that the situation was under control.

Kasaija dismissed reports that the Katikkiro had been arrested. He told the MPs that although the Police had advised him not to travel to Kayunga, “he insisted and went ahead.”

“He was not arrested but only stopped at Ssezibwa Bridge. However, wrong elements are now busy organising people in town to riot and close the shops,” he said.