Police in Rubirizi District on Monday fired live bullets and tear gas
to disperse mourners attending a burial in Rwandaro village, Kichwamba Sub
County.
The mourners were attending the burial of John Muhabura an employee of Mota-Engil
Road Company Limited, who died on Sunday in a motor accident.
Last month, as part of the measures to combat the spread of
covid-19, the President banned all public gatherings of more than
five people. The gatherings include sports events, funerals and Church
congregations.
However, hundreds of mourners turned up for burial of Muhabura and only washed their hands
but did not adhere to physical distancing.
Kennedy Ochaya, the Officer in -charge of Rubirizi Central Police Station, said
that they gave the mourners guidelines to follow, but they refused forcing
police to fire bullets and tear gas.
//Cue in: “ekibadeho olwaleero wariwo…
Cue out: …baganye nga bwokyalaba.”//
Brodiz Kazoora, Chairperson LC III Kichwamba Sub County, said that
despite the ban on public gatherings, many people turned up for the burial because the deceased was a prominent person in the area who was loved by the community.
//Cue in: “ahabwokuba omusheija ofiire…
Cue out: …batahe omumaka gabo.”//
After the mourners were dispersed, police allowed only ten relatives of the deceased to
continue with the burial.
