Lira protests: Indian nationals appeal for maximum security
Defence state minister Col (rtd) Charles Okello Engola (in cap) addressing Indian nationals in Lira town on Sunday. PHOTO BY ISAAC OTWII
What you need to know:
- According to Lira the District Police Commander, Joel Tubanone, the suspects include a children’s human rights activist in Lira and a son to one of the prominent government officials. He said the two were arrested when Police stormed Unity FM where they were allegedly basing to incite the people.
- Mr Tubanone added that Police are still hunting for three presenters working with the same radio station to also face the charge of inciting violence. The radio station is still off air.
LIRA. Traders of Asian descent operating businesses in Lira Town have appealed to government to provide them maximum security over fear of possible attacks on them.
They made the request while meeting leaders and security operatives at Lira District chamber on Tuesday.
According to the chairperson of the Indian Association in Lira, Mr Sanjiv Patel, some wrong elements have been targeting Indian nationals following the death of an 11-year-old Dickens Okello on November 9.
Okello, who was a Primary Three pupil at Alito Primary School, Alito Sub-county in Kole District, was allegedly killed by two Indian nationals. The suspects (Madmay Gaga, 22, and Vayas Fravay, 27) were on Monday remanded to Soroti prison by the Grade One Magistrate’s Court in Lira.
Okello’s death caused commotion in Lira town over the weekend with protestors attacking shops owned by Indians in the area. They claim that their school-going children are also at high risk and should therefore be escorted to their respective schools and back home.
“The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) should ensure that security operatives continue making patrols, and our children who are still schooling be escorted to schools since we are still scared of chaos,” Mr Patel said.
Lira RDC Milton Odongo, who also doubles as the chairperson District Security Committee, said his team will treat the matter as a priority.
“As government, I want to assure you that our responsibility is to protect the lives of people and their property regardless of citizenship, colour or tribe. So feel free and continue with your business. And in case of anything, report to police and we shall find ways of providing help,” he said.
The RDC further said the government was aware of the threats against these Indians which forced them to close their shops. He said: “The people of Lango should not generalise and revenge, the suspects are already in prison.”
By 7.00pm Tuesday, most of the shops that were closed on Saturday were operating normally.
Meanwhile Police in Lira District have about eight suspects in custody over exciting violence and involving themselves in the protests.
According to Lira the District Police Commander, Joel Tubanone, the suspects include a children’s human rights activist in Lira and a son to one of the prominent government officials. He said the two were arrested when Police stormed Unity FM where they were allegedly basing to incite the people.
Mr Tubanone added that Police are still hunting for three presenters working with the same radio station to also face the charge of inciting violence. The radio station is still off air.
Compiled by Barbara Akite, Charity Akullo, Isaac Newton Abili & Bill Oketch
