Nabukenya nominated as police fire tear gas
DP’s Brenda Nabukenya (R) and Leader of Opposition in Parliament Wafula Oguttu address journalists after the nomination exercise at Luweero District Council yesterday. PHOTO BY Dan Wandera
What you need to know:
No interruption. Politicians were barred from passing through town since it was a market day for the traders.
Luweero- Police in Luwero District yesterday fired tear gas to disperse opposition politicians leading a procession to Luweero Town after Ms Brenda Nabukenya was nominated as candidate for the District Woman MP seat.
Riot police commanded by the district police commander, Mr Godfrey Ninsiima, fired several tear gas canisters at the politicians for defying a directive not to lead the procession through the town.
“You are not supposed to take that direction. Follow the guidelines we are giving you,” Mr Ninsiima told the politicians.
He said it was a market day and, therefore, traders needed time to concentrate on their business.
Ms Nabukenya, a Democratic Party candidate, whose nomination was announced by the returning officer, Ms Alex Komuhangi, at 1:45pm at the district council hall, was supposed to lead a procession through town, Kikyusa, Bamunanika, Zirobwe, Kalagala sub-counties and Bombo Town Council.
She is expected to contest against NRM’s Rebecca Nalwanga and independents Ramula Kadala and Farida Namubiru who will be nominated today. The seat fell vacant after court nullified Ms Nabukenya’s election, citing vote rigging. The by-election is slated for May 22.
Opposition MPs led by the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Mr Wafula Oguttu and other top party officials, including Mr Ssebana Kizito (DP), Mr Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere (DP), Dr Kizza Besigye(FDC), Maj Gen Mugisha Muntu (FDC) were among those who attended the exercise.
Ms Komuhangi also nominated Mr Atanas Ochan (FDC) to contest for the position of Kikyusa LC3 seat which fell vacant after the death of Julius Kaggwa last year.
opposition solidarity
In an interview with journalists, Mr Wafula Oguttu said opposition politicians were showing solidarity and will to collectively support Ms Nabukenya to retain her seat because she is a strong fighter.
“We have come to support our fellow fighter. Ms Nabukenya is a strong woman. The people of Luweero should know that they have a strong woman. We are sorry that Luweero is in such a sorry state,” Mr Oguttu said.
