UGANDA: Buvuma Woman MP and NUP Supporters Charged with Inciting Violence
Police say that Suzan Nakaziba Mugabi and four other members of the Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) face charges of unlawful assembly and inciting violence.
The group was arrested on April 21 in Kyanja Village, Bwema Sub County, Buvuma District, after police dispersed a crowd that had gathered to celebrate the district’s belated Women’s Day.
Traditionally, International Women’s Day celebrations occur annually on March 8.
Nonetheless, district local governments always postpone and reschedule their celebrations for various reasons.
Hellen Butoto, a spokesperson for the Ssezibwa regional police, stated that Mugabi organized the event without seeking police approval.
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“Therefore, the police and other sister agencies intervened and attempted to persuade Mugabi to abandon her plans, but she remained unmoved. This prompted police to use the minimum amount of force necessary to violate the agreements,” she said on Sunday.
Police and army personnel allegedly assaulted Mugabi while dispersing a crowd, causing her to sustain injuries.
“I’ve just verified Mugabi. According to doctors, she regained consciousness at 1:50 a.m. Her condition is critical but stable, tweeted NUP general secretary Lewis Rubongoya on April 22.
Gad Daniel Onyango aka Opondo, Rodgers Kalumba, Steven Matavu, and Henry Sentamu are among those facing similar charges.
After a brief detention at the Buvuma Central Police Station, the four were granted bond.
Butoto stated that the legislator will be arraigned alongside the suspects shortly.
Over time, security forces have targeted public events hosted by political opposition parties, accusing organizers of violating the Public Order Management Act.
In a recent incident, chaos erupted on April 14 in Soroti City, eastern Uganda, when police blocked another late Women’s Day celebration, forcing some attendees to strip.
MPs Joan Alobo and Anna Adeke Ebaju of the opposition FDC party organized the event.
UGANDA: Buvuma Woman MP and NUP Supporters Charged with Inciting Violence
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