Heavy deployment contains rioters in the city

KYAGULANYI PROTESTS|POLICE 

KAMPALA - Thursday (November 19, 2020) in the morning, business returned to normal in most parts of the capital, Kampala following the violence that erupted.

However, Kisekka market the epitome of the violence remained cordoned off by the security forces.

Violence in central and eastern parts of the country on Wednesday followed the arrest of the presidential candidate of National Unity Platform (NUP) Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine while on his campaign trail in Luuka district on allegations of flouting covid-19 guidelines. He is currently at Nalufenya Police Station in Jinja district.

The guidelines require presidential candidates to address not more than 200 people and avoid processions.

Some pockets of rioting erupted at about 11:30 am when security personnel allegedly started beating up traders with batons. The security later managed to contain the rioters.

The UPDF, Police, Local Defence Unit officers (LDUs) were heard ordering traders to close down their shops in arcades and go home.

Security operatives issued the directive while firing teargas and rubber bullets to disperse pockets of rioters, which pelted them with stones.

Several Police and army vehicles were seen patrolling the city streets.

Most pedestrians raised their hands, a sign indicating that they are not part of the protesters while others painted their faces with cassava flour mixed with lemon, claiming that it prevents teargas pinch.

Following the directive, almost all traders downtown closed their business and went back home, as rioters, mainly the youth engaged the security forces into running battles.

The worst scenes were witnessed around Kisenyi, Mengo, Katwe, Wandegeya, Kisekka, Kikuubo, New Tax Park, Arua Park, Kampala Road, Bombo Road, Entebbe Road and St Balikuddembe.

By 1:00 pm, most arcades downtown had closed, and businessmen and women left for their homes.