Police fire bullets, teargas to disperse FDC supporters in Butaleja

Police in Butaleja District on Sunday fired bullets and teargas to disperse Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) supporters who had gathered for a district leaders’ conference at Namuswa Gardens Hotel in Nabiganda Town Council.

The meeting, according to organisers, was meant to sensitize party supporters about their constitutional rights. Police called off the meeting but FDC supporters insisted on going ahead with it, which prompted the Police to fire teargas and bullets to disperse them.

Mr Peter Mwangale, the Butaleja District FDC party mobilizer, said that they had organised a sensitization meeting on the constitutional rights of their supporters and even had a clearance letter from the IGP.

“We got the permission from the IGP and I gave a copy to the District Police Commander and area OC Station Nabiganda, but to our surprise the officers went ahead to block our meeting without any reason,” he said.

However, the Bukedi regional police commander, Mr Ceasar Tusingwire said although the organisers got clearance from IGP, they failed to show proof that they got permission of venue owners.

“The meeting was supposed to take place in the hall but not in open place. If it was in a hall we could have allowed their meeting to go ahead because we don't have any problem with them, but we couldn’t secure the open place. Let them get a hall and we shall allow them,” he said.

The running battles between police and the FDC supporters lasted for about five hours. Amidst the standoff, businesspeople closed their shops in fear of losing their merchandise.

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