Live Bullets, Tear Gas Rock Kasese as Police Disperse FDC Supporters

Police used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse people who had gathered in Kasese town on Monday afternoon to welcome the Forum for Democratic Change-FDC party President, Patrick Oboi Amuriat and the former FDC presidential candidate, Dr. Kiiza Besigye.     

The duo had traveled to Kasese together with Ingrid Turinawe, the FDC the National Mobilisation   Secretary to engage elected party leaders and officials on the shadowy People’s Government.

Shortly after the meeting at Rwenzori International Hotel in Kasese town, Dr. Besigye and Amuriat moved through Kasese town waving to residents amidst ululations.

Some of the residents chanted Adam Mulwana’s song “Toka kwa Barabara” and followed the vehicles of the FDC officials in what seemingly turned into a procession.

Police blocked the motorcade around Shauriyako market to stop the FDC members from proceeding. As the number of FDC supporters surged, police fired teargas and live bullets to disperse the crowds.

Residents fought back and pelted the officers with stones prompting them to open the road but kept Besigye and Amuriat’s cars in the middle. 

They then escorted Besigye and Amuriat towards Fort Portal-Kasese Road to unknown destination.

The Bukonzo East legislator, Harold Tonny Muhindo, lambasted police for what he called unprofessional conduct in public affairs management.   

 

Muhindo, who also doubles as the Opposition Chief Whip in parliament, said there was no need for police to use bullets and teargas against people who were jubilating and celebrating the arrival of their leaders.

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Muhindo accused the security agency of misusing the public order management act.  

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But the Kasese Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Joshua Masereka, said they couldn’t allow Besigye and his entourage to hold a procession or a rally within the town center.

He said they were not perturbed with the visit of the opposition leader but didn’t want a procession in the middle of the town.

  

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Initially, the opposition party was meant to hold a rally at Nyakasanga playground in Kasese but it was blocked by police.