Slain policeman: Nine face murder charges

By Henry Sekanjako and Anne Mugisa 
           
NINE suspects face murder charges over the killing of a policeman John Bosco Ariongo, aged 48 in Wednesday's city riots.

Police spokesperson Judith Nabakooba however, did not name the suspects. She said other suspects are to face charges of holding unlawful assembly and disobeying lawful orders.

According to Judith Nabakooba, the deceased was hit by a stone to his forehead by a rioter and died as he was being taken to the hospital. The death has rendered his eight children orphans. He is also survived by a widow.  

The fallen Assistant Inspector of Police left his home in Naguru Police Barracks Wednesday morning to report for duty at Kafumbe Mukasa Road Police Station in Kampala where he works as the officer-in-charge (OC). Little did he know it was his last day alive.   

After 26 years of service rising to the rank of Assistant inspector of Police, Ariongo's life tumbled to a tragic end in a scuffle as Police dispersed a crowd of people who were following Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and city Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago in downtown Kampala.

The Police said Ariongo was murdered by FDC supporters participating in what the force termed as an illegal procession between Kafumbe Mukasa road adjacent to St Balikuddembe market and Mini Price building on Ben Kiwanuka street in the city center.

Ariongo first served as field force manager at the Naguru police barracks before he was posted to Kafumbe Mukasa police station. Like he has always set out each day break, on this fateful day, the officer was deployed to ensure law and order.

"I wish to reiterate that violence against police officers on duty shall be sternly dealt with through the full extent of the law," warned Nabakooba, adding that 16 suspects were in custody.

Police chief Lt. Gen. Kale Kayihura decried the violence that led to the demise of one of his officers. "It is tragic that someone should stone the Police who have not provoked him."

He blamed the mayor Lukwago for disguising a political activity in the name of inspecting the city roads and for calling in FDC's Besigye to join him.

"All they want is to cause disruption in the city. If they had no bad intentions, why did they come with stones? Stones are weapons and as you can see they can kill," the boss chief fumed.

"How can anyone be supportive of someone who is bent on breaking the law?" Kayihura speaking to journalists at the Police forensic laboratory in Naguru on learning about the tragedy.