Soldier Shoots, Injures Civilian in Bukwo.

Uganda Peoples Defence Forces soldiers have shot at and injured one civilian  who was among other civilians  protesting delayed compensation for land where the Chinese state engineering company collects marram from for the construction of Kapchorwa-Suam road.

The victim identified as Titus Kipsang, a resident of Kabrotwo village,Burkeywo Parish, Tulel sub-county in Bukwo district was shot in the leg at 4pm  after soldiers deployed to guard  the Chinese company fired to disperse  the crowed.

Aminisi Kayaondo, the district police commander for Bukwo confirmed the incident, describing it as unfortuate.

He said the soldiers were trying to stop residents from blocking the contractor from collecting the marram, demanding  payment for the soil.

"Residents  had blocked the road, so the soldiers who are deployed to protect the company workers developed a disagreement with the protestors, one soldier shot in the air but unfortunately a bullet got one of the protestors," he said.

Kayondo said the injured person has been rushed to Bukwo hospital for first aid, adding that police have opened up file to investigate the matter.

Brig. Joseph Balikudembe the UPDF 3rd Division commander condemned the act of the soldiers saying they will face the law after investigations.

"We don't tolerate indiscpline from our officers, whoever misbehaves will face the law," he said.

Lawrence Cheptoris one of the protestors said ever since the Chinese company started collecting the maram from their land, they have failed to compensate them.

"Whenever we ask them for our compensation, they  keep on promising us air so today we wanted our money," he said.

Mr Samuel Hashaka Mpimbaza the resident district commisioner Bukwo appealed the local community to calm down so that their grievance can be addressed. 

Mr Philip  Kakama, the company administrator promised to comment later after saying they were still finding where the problem was.