On Sunday, police in Jinja district intercepted a football match organised by foot soldiers of the National Unity Platform (NUP). Teargas and live bullets were fired at Buyengo Town Council playground to disperse the angry supporters who were demanding the progress of the match.
During the shuffle, three individuals were arrested, one vehicle, Tata UPF 583 and a motorcycle UDM 418V, were impounded, which NUP leaders accused police of using teargas against the nonviolent locals. Those in police custody include Stephen Ochen, Fred Lutaaya, and Bashiru Kabaseke.
Police accuse the group for reportedly organising unlawful assembly, which they used to incite the rural community. It is alleged that the NUP supporters were holding placards, which SP James Mubi, the spokesperson of Kiira regional police said they were creating fear in the neighbourhood.
“They ostensibly organized football tournament but were holding placards inciting violence and creating fear in the neighbourhood,” said Mubi
Mubi stated that the organizers did not obtain clearance and sought security clearance from police but they instead got clearance from local leaders.
“The accused persons have been charged with obstructing police officers while on lawful duty. The crowd became unruly and pelted stones at police officers, prompting the firing up of live bullets in the air to contain the ugly situation,” Mubi said, adding that no injuries sustained in the due process.
According to NUP’s Samuel Akalyamawa, the councillor representing Buyengo Town Council to Jinja district, police used the political partisansm to intercept their football match which he says had no negative impact to any community member.
Akalyamawa decried the law enforcement officers for the excessive force used to people who were aiming to promote their talents.
“How can you fire teargas to people who have come for a football match. You stop the match because you heard allegations that Hon Robert Kyagulanyi is going to be here? Akalyamawa wondered.
Police however cautioned political players to always follow the prevailing laws that regulate political gathering to avoid causing unnecessary friction with security operatives.
