Mob beats Masaka mayor’s family

Mar 09, 2009

BUSINESS in Masaka municipality was temporarily paralysed yesterday when an angry mob beat relatives of the mayor, John Tebyasa Matovu, as they allegedly tried to grab him and take him to hospital.

Dismus Buregyeya
and Ali Mambule


BUSINESS in Masaka municipality was temporarily paralysed yesterday when an angry mob beat relatives of the mayor, John Tebyasa Matovu, as they allegedly tried to grab him and take him to hospital.

For several months, Tebyasa’s children have been battling with their relatives over access to him. They recently secured a court order granting them access.
They allege that their father needs medical attention, saying he is mentally ill.

The children also say Tibyasa is being held hostage by his other relatives, who are allegedly interested in his wealth.

Tibyasa’s wife Gertrude Matovu with her three sons, including Dr. Wasswa Matovu, a lecturer at Makerere University, stormed the mayor’s office at about 10:30am.
The fracas attracted the attention of the municipal council staff and the town residents, who immediately intervened to save Tibyasa.

Tebyasa’s son, identified as Baby John Matovu, who reportedly works as a bouncer for Pastor Imelda Namutebi in Kampala, was holding Tibyasa, leading him to a car, when Peter Ntege, the director of BATATA, a taxi operators’ organisation, intervened.

Tibyasa was then whisked away by the deputy mayor, Charles Kasibante, leaving the family members exposed to a charged crowd.

Tibyasa’s wife managed to escape with two of her sons, leaving Baby John behind.

The mob that comprised of boda boda operators, was about to attack Baby John, when he was rescued by the Police.

Ntege and Kasibante dragged him to the Police station as the mob chanted in support of Tebyasa.

The Police chased away the mob that was advancing towards the Police station. They then took statements from Ntege, Kasibante and the municipal speaker, Denis Majwala.

The mayor’s wife and his other sons arrived at the Police station shortly after.

Addressing a press conference, Tebyasa’s wife said: “We had a court order to access Tebyasa. We do not want his wealth. We are concerned about his poor health and we want him go to hospital,” Getrude said.

She added that it was not fair for people close to her husband to incite the mob against his family.

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