EC orders rest of Kyagulanyi's injured officer

ELECTION WATCH | NUP | POLICE 

The Electoral Commission (EC) has directed the security to rest their officer who was injured on Friday (November 13, 2020) as the police tried to disperse supporters of National Unity Platform (NUP) in Kotido town, Karamoja.

The police officer, attached to the EC security team for the presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was Friday injured by what is suspected to be a tear gas canister fired by the police who were in running battles with supporters.

Hundreds of supporters gathered in big numbers to welcome the candidate.

In an emotional manner, Kyagulanyi tried to attend to the injured officer who was bleeding until some Good Samaritan administered first aid on him.

He, however, claimed that the police were firing live bullets and using tear gas against his supporters even ‘when they chose to remain peaceful'.

He told reporters that the police had denied him access to a radio station where he had booked a program, refused his team to go to a restaurant for refreshments and blocked them from refueling at a fuel station.

"We are in a dilemma. The police are following us everywhere and we cannot access anyplace including refueling," Kyagulanyi later told journalists.

Paul Bukenya, the acting communications officer of the EC said that they had learnt that one of their crew members on the NUP team had been injured.

He said although by Saturday he was still moving with the team, they had directed that he should be withdrawn for at least three days to enable him recover well but he will join the team later.

"The injured officer received treatment but he will be retrieved for at least three days, although right now he is still moving with the group," Bukenya stated.       

The police deputy spokesperson, Polly Namaye said the officer was part of the team which was surrendered to the EC and they were fully responsible for them. "We handed them to the EC and they are responsible," she stated.