LC3 held over inciting residents to demolish a bridge

PIC: Didas Muntuki is currently detained at Kisoro Central Police Station

KISORO - The Police in Kisoro over the weekend  arrested Didas Muntuki, the Busanza sub-county LC3 chairman over allegations of inciting residents to destroy a bridge.

According to the Kigezi regional Police spokesperson, Elly Maate, the arrest happened on January 26 and Muntuki will be charged for inciting violence and malicious damage.

According to Maate, on January 18, the residents, having been mobilised, destroyed the Kaku bridge that connects Busanza sub-county to other areas of Kisoro. He said the residentys argued that Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) had ignored their call to repair the bridge, which was damaged.

"As local leader, he is supposed to have bridged the gap between the people and UNRA. He should have spearheaded the move to ensure that the problem is solved amicably, but not mobilising them for destruction," Maate told New Vision.

He warned local leaders to desist from acts of lawlessness, but do things in a lawful manner and where necessary, seek advice from relevant authorities on issues arising.

Kaku bridge which was vandalised

The Kisoro LC5 chairman, Abel Bizimana, expressed concern over the behaviour the violent destruction of Busanza Kaku bridge by a group of youth under the influence of their local leaders. He said what was done as a joke has isolated the Busanza from other parts of the district.

"Did they think that by destroying the bridge made of timber, UNRA by make concrete bridge overnight?" said Bizimana.

He added: "Let us push for a better bridge while maintaining what we have good shape to ensure continuity of traffic. We shall do it with security vigilance. Whoever will sabotage our work will be arrested and prosecuted."

Bizimana revealed that after the destruction,he liased with UNRA, which has ferried logs from Ntungamo district and the repair of the bridge is underway.