Police explain Kyagulanyi, Amuriat arrest, confirms 3 deaths

POLICE|KYAGULANYI|AMURIAT

KAMPALA - The Uganda Police Force on Wednesday evening noted that they had arrested National Unity Platform Presidential aspirant Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu.

He was arrested along Pastor Andrew Muwanguzi, also arrested is the Forum for Democratic Change Presidential aspirant Patrick Amuriat for their continued violations of the Electoral Commission and Ministry of Health guidelines, during the political campaigns. 

"We would like to inform the public that the Joint Security Task Force in Busoga North, today arrested the NUP Presidential candidate, Kyagulanyi, for his continued violations of the Electoral Commission and Ministry of Health guidelines, during the political campaigns. He was arrested together with Pastor Muwanguzi at around 11:30 am, at the Ssaza Grounds, Luuka Town Council in Luuka District. 

The two were actively involved in the massive mobilization of assemblies and processions amidst the threat of Covid-19 in Uganda. The majority of the participants had no safeguards of facemasks, physical distancing, and proper hygiene," Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga confirmed.

Enanga noted that the two were immediately transferred to Nalufenya Police Station, where they were being interrogated on charges of negligent conduct likely to spread infectious disease, obstruction, and holding unauthorized assemblies.

"In the course of their transportation, 5 other violent suspects were arrested too. These included; Ssenono Denis alias Deni-City, a resident of Keti Falawo Kawempe, Semanda Brian of Nakilagala Budo; Matovu Adam, Tenywa Jamali of Kyamagwa Jinja, and Akol Stephene a Security guard from Kiira Road. In a separate development, the FDC presidential candidate," Enanga added.

He noted that Eng. Amuriat was arrested from Gulu, as he was planning to hold an unauthorized procession but has since refused to record a statement.

Enanga noted that the NUP presidential candidate and his party members, sought to undermine the integrity of the Electoral Commission, by refusing to abide by peaceful conduct of the campaigns. 

His campaign trail from West Nile, to Acholi sub Region, Teso, Bugisu and Busoga, raised stakes for possible riots and public disorder.

"The arrest as anticipated by our Joint Intelligence components sparked off incidents of violent demonstrations especially in the areas of Masaka, Jinja, Kampala city and its suburbs of Bwaise, Kyaliwajjala, Nabweru, Kalerwe, Nansana, and Mukono. 

In Mityana we blocked a group of youth who were being transported to reinforce colleagues in Kampala. The violent demonstrators set up illegal roadblocks and burnt tyres, violently attacked law enforcement personnel in the city Centre. We have also registered other crimes of looting, vandalism, and robbery by hooligans who take advantage of these violent demonstrations," he stated.

Police strongly condemned the tactics used by NUP and those groups that continue to breach the Electoral Commission guidelines during the campaigns. 

"Such acts only promote further violence and lawlessness amidst the threats of Covid-19. We believe it is one of the steps to prepare their adherents into inciting violence and further accelerate their goal of a civil uprising like they have always threatened," Enanga further explained.

He noted that it is unfortunate that three innocent lives have been lost as a result of the violent fracas in the city and these included Mwanje Sandi a 35-year-old of Katwe, Juma Sendagire, a 27-year-old male adult of Lusanja Kitezi, and Amasi from Kubbiri. We do extend our sympathies to their families. The cause of death will be revealed after conducting post mortem examination," Enanga stated.

However, sources noted that the figures could get higher, owing to the injuries some people had sustained. Enanga further said that a total of 34 people sustained injuries during the violent confrontations and were rushed to Mulago National Referral hospital for further medical attention.

Enanga stated that the Joint Security Task Force shall not allow for such acts of violence to escalate into a civil crisis.

"Our quick reaction, CCTV monitoring, and crowd control dispersal teams managed to suppress the violent groups with teargas and other lethal weapons. Several suspects have been arrested and will be screened once the operations have normalized," Enanga said.

Police requested the members of the public to stay calm, as they counter the violent demonstrators. 

"We urge all voters to know that it is their democratic right to support candidates of their choice. They should, therefore, avoid such violent confrontations to achieve that goal."

Enanga reminded all candidates to ensure they observe the guidelines that were issued by the Electoral Commission.

"They were meant to help candidates campaign safely and reduce the risks of covid-19 transmission. We are confident we shall counter all these threats aimed at disrupting the electoral process and deliver a peaceful campaign to all Ugandans," Police said.