18 charged after mob torches tow truck in Lira
The accused are Brian Ogwal, Francis Ojok, Gerald Okwera, Tonny Opio, Robin Nyangkori, Lameck Okidi, Lawrence Okwir, Emmanuel Okabo, Raymond Aroma, Solomon Obua, Darius Omara, Jacob Okwany, Denis Ogwal, Ronald Okot, Victor Agony, Sgt Omony Robert Oloya, Walter Oceng and Isaac Angela.
Some of the accused's relatives who thronged court as the accused pleaded to the charges. (Credit: Hudson Apunyo)
LIRA - A night-time attempt last Saturday to tow away a vehicle involved in a fatal crash sparked a violent confrontation at Ogur trading centre in Lira district, leaving a police officer injured, a recovery truck burnt and 18 people facing criminal charges.
The relatives of the boy who was knocked dead in the August 1 crash were alerted that the vehicle involved had allegedly been handed back to the owner and was being towed away towards Lira city.
Some relatives riding motorcycles intercepted the vehicles at Aler, along the Lira-Kitgum highway, and forced them to return to Ogur.
At Ogur, the situation turned chaotic as relatives and other residents confronted police officers. The mother of the deceased reportedly stripped in protest in front of the police vehicle escorting the tow truck.
The district police commander, Joseph Kamukama, arrived in an attempt to calm the situation, but instead faced the fury of the charged crowd, reportedly getting injured in the melee.
Police later deployed reinforcements and made arrests in and around Ogur trading centre.
18 charged
In court, 18 people were charged with malicious damage to property, contrary to Section 312(1) of the Penal Code Act, Cap. 128.
The accused are Brian Ogwal, Francis Ojok, Gerald Okwera, Tonny Opio, Robin Nyangkori, Lameck Okidi, Lawrence Okwir, Emmanuel Okabo, Raymond Aroma, Solomon Obua, Darius Omara, Jacob Okwany, Denis Ogwal, Ronald Okot, Victor Agony, Sgt Omony Robert Oloya, Walter Oceng and Isaac Angela.
Another group of seven accused were charged with assaulting a police officer in the execution of his duty, contrary to Section 221(a), (b), (d) and (e) of the Penal Code Act.
They are Tonny Opio, Isaac Angela, Robin Nyangkori, Solomon Obua, Darius Omara, Emmanuel Okabo and Denis Ogwal.
The prosecution alleges that the seven, together with others still at large, wilfully obstructed and assaulted DPC Kamukama, who was acting in the execution of his duty.
The suspects were produced before court on Wednesday and remanded to Lira Main Prison until Friday.
On Friday, relatives of the accused showed up at court expecting the matter to proceed but instead hit a cul de sac. The accused were again remanded until Monday, when they are expected to appear before the Lira chief magistrate for bail application.
The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges.