POLICE | MINISTER | ECWERU

AMURIA - Police in Amuria district are investigating a case of assault against the works state minister, Musa Ecweru, who is said to have been slapped on Sunday during a church service at St. Michael Catholic Church.

It is alleged that at around 11:30 am within Wera parish, in Amuria district on Sunday, July 26 service, Michael Okurut, 39, went to the alter like other congregants and knelt to get his blessings.

"Afterwards, he got up and surprisingly slapped the minister as he was giving his speech. He was immediately subdued by the minister's bodyguards. No harm was occasioned on the minister," police spokesman for Kyoga East Oscar Ageca has said in a statement.

A case has been registered under CRB 42/202 and the suspect is in police custody as inquiries and investigations into the matter are expedited.

Ecweru’s bodyguards taken unaware

Sources who attended the prayers said that the minister was also shocked when he was slapped.

"He did not react but just looked at him. The Christians and the priests were all shocked," a source said.

The incident occurred in Wera where he (Ecweru) allegedly beat up the Anglican priests last year. The matter was resolved amicably.

Wera is the minister’s village. Ecweru is now serving his fourth term in parliament.

Ecweru is a former coordinator of the Arrow boys and he is one of the longest-serving MPs in Teso.