Protester loses fingers to tear gas

By Betty Angatai

A man from Mayuge district has lost fingers on his right hand after a tear gas canister reportedly exploded in his hands.

Local police say Gaster Ibinga picked up a tear gas canister that was hurled at fishermen who were rioting at Busuyi landing site, and tried to throw it back at the police.

But before he could toss it back, the small can exploded, said Caroline Akoth, the district police commander.

The fishermen were protesting the outcome of the beach management unit (BMU) committee elections that had been held.

The protests at the landing site turned chaotic when the protestors clashed security operatives there.

When the canister blew up in Ibinga’s hand, he was right next to his brother Zakeri Lubale – also a fisherman – who sustained injuries too.

The two men are nursing their wounds at jinja Hospital.

DPC Akoth told New Vision the brothers are related to Ivan Kyaka, who had vied for the post of BMU chairperson and eventually lost the contest.

However, Ibinga alleged that the police fired the tear gas canister with the intention of killing them.