JINJA– At least 13 people alleged to be National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters, apolitical party led by former presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, are being held by Police in Jinja District on grounds of holding an unlawful assembly in Jinja.
The police spokesperson for Kiira region, ASP James Mubi, has confirmed the arrest of these NUP supporters who come from Kampala, Iganga and Busia districts.
“We have arrested, charged and detained 13 suspects at Central Police Station (CPS) in Jinja for apparently taking part in unlawful assembly at YMCA training centre in Jinja District. The suspects we are having and others still at large mainly came from Iganga, Kampala and Busia districts, and other parts of the country,” Mubi confirmed.
Mubi also confirmed that tents and chairs plus three vehicles that were transporting the NUP supporters are under police custody.
“We have confiscated tents and chairs together with three vehicles that were being used to transport Bobi Wine supporters to the venue,” ASP Mubi said.
Police say the organisers of the illegal assembly sought permission for a wedding only to turn it into a political gathering.
“They deceived YMCA management that they were going to have a wedding reception. How a wedding reception turned into an unlawful political gathering is a matter we are fully investigating,” ASP Mubi said.
It should be remembered that NUP suspended its leaders in Busoga and launched investigations into their alleged anti-party actions.
NUP legislators have intimated to Busoga Today that the party is suffering many squabbles, in-fights and divisions among the leaders which they are yet to resolve.
Bobi speaks out
The party principal, Bobi Wine, said in a tweet that his supporters were attacked by police while holding a peaceful gathering.
“Police in Jinja attacked a peaceful gathering of our comrades and injured several of them. They fired teargas and live bullets. Many are in a critical condition. Others were violently arrested. We shall continue to resist the criminal regime. This is our country,” he tweeted.
Police fired teargas and engaged in running battles with the people who had attended the said wedding ceremony. Several people were injured and admitted to hospital following a fight run with the police.
