Police fire tear gas, live bullets to disperse rowdy traders downtown Kampala
A milk vender takes cover with his goods at the sight of military police. Photo by Lubowa Abubaker
What you need to know:
According to Mr Siraje Lubwama, the traders’ spokesperson, Mr Kamoga has been dealing in motor parts suspected to have been stolen and this could have been led to his arrest
Police on Thursday afternoon fired tear gas and live bullets in air to disperse rowdy traders in Kiseka market, downtown Kampala
Information coming in indicates that Kyagwe and Nabugabo roads have been cut off after police led by the Regional Police Commander James Ruhweza and the Kampala Central Police Station DPC Henry Kintu fired live bullets and tear gas to disperse the stone pelting traders following what they called unfair arrest of their colleague.
The scuffle ensued after the trader, only identified as Hajji Kamoga, a dealer in motor spare parts was reportedly arrested by detectives clad in civilian attire and on five police patrol vehicles over unknown allegations.
According to Mr Lubwama Simon Peter, the traders’ spokesperson, Mr Kamoga has been dealing in motor parts suspected to have been stolen and this could have led to his arrest.
Police officers put out a fire that was lit by demonstrating traders. Photo by Lubowa Abubaker
However, Mr Ruhweza declined to give details of the matter, adding that police will investigate and establish whether the detectives used force while arresting the trader (Kamoga). Military police has taken over the situation.
This comes barely a day after reports that Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta’s BMW bullet proof escort vehicle stolen in Nairobi on Wednesday last week was recovered in Uganda.
Police is still investigating the matter although Mr Ruhweza could not link the two incidents.
