Yesterday 13th August 2018 was the final day of campaigns to elect another Member of Parliament following the assassination of Hon. Col. (Rtd) Ibrahim Abiriga on 8th June 2018 at Kawanda, Wakiso District.
The security situation during the three weeks (23rd July to 13th August) of campaigns was generally calm and peaceful giving opportunity to all the candidates to freely canvass for support. This peaceful atmosphere continued to prevail until yesterday August 13th, 2018 at around 1830/c when supporters of candidate Kasiano Wadri with imported support groups led by Members of Parliament Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi, Francis Zaake, Paul Mwiru, Gerald Karuhanga and former MP Michael Mabikke obstructed and violently attacked the presidential motorcade at Prison cell, Arua Municipality during which one of the vehicles bearing the presidential court of arms had its wind screen smashed.
At this point, security officers intervened to contain the situation and they indeed halted it from further escalation by use of teargas and shooting. The situation was restored to normalcy by which time someone who has since been identified as Mr. Yasin Kawuma, a resident of Lusanja, Nangabo Sub County, Wakiso district was established to have succumbed to a gun shot. His body has been taken to Arua Hospital for post mortem.
It should be noted that earlier in the day around 1600/c as the president was coming to Boma grounds for this particular rally, there was an incident where a grader, Registration number UAP 064R wrapped in red ribbons similar to those of the attackers and opposition political activists obstructed his motorcade at a place called Transport Junction Road.
This grader and a Tundra vehicle registration number UAJ 416K in which Yasin Kawuma’s dead body was found have since been impounded and are currently at CPS Arua.
Scores of suspects have been arrested including the following: candidate Kasiano Wadri, MPS Paul Mwiru, Gerald Karuhanga, Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi and former MP Michael Mabikke among others in connection with the incidents mentioned above to help in the ongoing investigations.
We caution the public that it is criminal to obstruct and or attack the presidential motorcade as it contravenes the Traffic and Road Safety Act as well as provisions in the Penal Code Act. To that effect, it is incumbent on all members of the public to be cautious and desist from ever attempting to engage in such acts of criminality that often result into regrettable consequences as seen above.
Our readiness to secure the election tomorrow is total. We encourage all voters in Arua Municipality to come out and exercise their constitutional and democratic rights to freely cast their votes for their proffered candidates, and the general public to freely go about their business without fear.
SSP Emilian Kayima,
Public Relations Officer
UGANDA POLICE FORCE
14TH August 2018
