29 riot suspects released in Kyotera, fined sh150,000 each

POLITICS   2021 ELECTIONS

KYOTERA - The Magistrate's court in Kalisizo town council, Kyotera district has released 29 of the 52 people who were arrested in connection with the free-Kyagulanyi riots last week.

This followed the arrest of Presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader on November 18, 2019, in Luuka district.

At least 36 were arrested during protests on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday while 16 were arrested on Saturday, Sunday and Monday respectively.

The suspects were charged with unlawful assembly and failure to adhere to the Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Ministry of Health to control the spread of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

Appearing before Joy Nambozo, the Kalisizo Chief Magistrate, the 29 defendants pleaded guilty to the charges. They were given a fine of Ugx150,000 or to be sent to prison for four months. They paid the fine and were released amid chanting and praises. 

Innocent Magezi and James Rushesha are among those who were released.

Magezi said that some of their colleagues sustained severe injuries during the arrest and several were hospitalized.

"We were selected for being NUP supporters. We were picked from our homes yet we were not part of the protests. I thank God for helping us out of this trouble," he said

Charles Lwanga Kirumira, the National Unity Platform (NUP) flag bearer for Kyotera County MP, said that they were happy that some of their supporters were released.

John Paul Mpalanyi, the Democratic Party candidate for the Kyotera County MP, explained that they are working around the clock to see that those who are still in prison are released.

He appealed to all opposition supporters to maintain peace to avoid landing in similar problems amid the current tricky campaign season.