Over 800 held as police intensifies hunt for rioters

Nov 24, 2020

2021 ELECTIONS | VIOLENCE |

When John Kittobbe, a former Makerere University lecturer, left home on November 18 to check on his real estate business in Kampala, he never returned to his family.

It was Police, using his known telephone line that broke the news to his next of kin that a stray bullet had claimed Kittobbe's life.

He was one of the victims of the various incidents that shaped the run-ins between security officers and rioters from last week.

On Sunday, Police said the death toll arising from the violent protests that broke out following the arrest of presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, has reached 45.

"It is very unfortunate that the riots have so after claimed 45 lives, in the age bracket of 25-40, including six women. Three of the bodies remain unclaimed. Our hearts go out to all victims of the violent protests," Fred Enanga, the Police spokesperson said Sunday, during a security briefing at Uganda Media Centre (UMC).

Enanga said other victims injured by stray bullets are Richard Mutyaba, the LC1 chairperson for Kasala in Luwero, Willy Kayondo, a resident of Wandegeya, Sophie Kusasira, a food vendor at Kalerwe market, John Ssemanda, a bodaboda rider in Nansana, among others.

Police said on Sunday that so far, 836 suspects had been arrested in connection to alleged violence during the riots and about 116 people filed cases related to the riots.

Enanga added that 362 suspects have been charged, 330 remanded, while the rest are pending court mention of their riot-related charges.

He cited the case of Ben Kasozi, whom he said is detained for allegedly injuring a Police officer during the riots. Enanga added that two other suspects were arrested for allegedly attempting to burn down a fuel station in Mityana district.

Enanga said there are also men in custody accused of attacking a Police woman at the Old Taxi Park.

"All our territorial commanders intensified efforts to identify protesters and looters across all fl ashpoint areas. The detectives are using the widespread CCTV technology, both public and private, licence plate readers and facial recognition," he said.

"As part of the ongoing investigations into the violent political and criminal protests, our task teams continue to track down perpetrators after the riots," he added, noting that following the harmonisation of the campaign programme, the rallies organised by presidential candidates have so far been peaceful.

When journalists asked Enanga whether security officers who shot at unarmed civilians have been arrested, he was tight-lipped.

He, however, listed situations when security officers, are permitted to shoot at people.

"Every now and again, we have indicated incidences when a Police officer can use live bullets and the public needs to be aware of this. If there is a person who has been charged with an offence and he or she is escaping from lawful custody, a Police officer may use a fire arm," he said.

Enanga added that there are other incidents where a person is resisting lawful arrest, when the life of a Police officer is in danger and when a person rescues somebody from lawful custody.

"Also, in circumstances where a Police officer is guarding the lives of citizens who are faced with aggressive threats, they can use a fi rearm. Therefore, we were faced with aggressive threats and life-threatening incidents during the riots. However, it is very unfortunate that lives were lost," he said.

Website hack claims

Enanga also reported that the Police website has not been hacked, contrary to reports on social media.

"The website was undergoing a transition from a static website to a dynamic one to serve better and handle the increasing queries," he said.

The clarification comes against an outcry that the Police website was inaccessible.

The inaccessibility to the website, Enanga said, led to some people, who he did not identify, to make what he described as "false hacking credit" that they "managed to bring down" the Police website.

"By the end of this week, the website will be up and running," he added.

Tribute to Bukedde journalist

Fred Enanga, the Police spokesperson, also paid tribute to Vision Group journalist Muwanga Kakooza, who died yesterday, at Kiruddu Hospital. Enanga described Kakooza as a

"dedicated" journalist who served his country

"diligently" during his lengthy career as a journalist.

Kakooza, who worked for Bukedde newspaper for over two decades, will be buried today, at Ssanga, on Matugga Kapeeka road.

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