Akika Charged, Remanded

By Geoffrey Kamali and Davis Weddi FORMER West Budama MP Akika Othieno, was yesterday remanded after being charged in a Tororo magistrate's court with attempted murder and carrying a weapon in a public place. He was remanded in Morukatipe prison. Akika, a former state minister for water, was arrested on Tuesday after he allegedly opened fire at a group of people, including an engineer, Richard Olowo. The group is said to have been sitting by the roadside, playing omweso, a local board game, at Rubongi when Akika drove by and shot at the group. "He was charged with attempted murder and carrying a gun in a public place, contrary to section 71 of the penal code," Police spokesman, Asuman Mugenyi said yesterday. The group was said to be supporters of Akika's rival, Akisoferi Ogola, who has won the area parliamentary seat. Meanwhile, state minister for gender, youth and culture, Vincent Nyanzi was placed under house arrest pending Police investigations into election related violence. Nyanzi was picked up by Police after his guards reportedly shot dead a supporter of a rival candidate. By yesterday he was leading his opponents in the race for the seat. In Mbale, the Police yesterday released on bond, the Hoima RDC, Simon Mulongo. He had been held in connection with the killing of six people in clashes between his supporters and those of his rival, Michael Mumia. The Police have identified the deceased as Mango Bakari, Herbert Mumia, brother to Mulongo's rival and Hassan, Mulongo's official vehicle reg. no, UAD 801J driver. Ends