The campaign rally for NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, turned deadly on Friday when one supporter was shot dead and several others sustained serious injuries.
The deceased has been identified as Meshach Okello, who was shot in the head as security tried to disperse NUP supporters leaving the rally.
Others injured include Nuwamanya Samuel (24), Naminya Banuli (44), and Faima Namusobya (24), who are currently receiving medical treatment.
Bobi Wine confirmed the death of his supporter, condemning the actions of security forces.
“I am very sad to announce that after a very successful rally in Iganga, the police and military attacked us yet again, in order to disperse our supporters who were leaving the rally back home. Like they have done elsewhere, these criminals fired live bullets at peaceful people and in the process killed at least one comrade and injured several others,” he said.
Bobi Wine further alleged that police had shot and smuggled away the bodies of two more supporters, although he did not provide confirmation of this claim
“So far we have confirmed the murder in cold blood of Meshach Okello, who was shot through the head. We’re told that the police smuggled two other bodies from the scene after shooting them, which information we are still trying to verify. The other comrades who were severely injured are fighting for their lives in hospital,” he added.
In response, police claimed the violence was instigated by unruly NUP supporters.
“The National Unity Platform presidential candidate had campaign activities in Iganga District. Security forces deployed to maintain public order and safety faced attacks, including stone-throwing incited by the candidate, resulting in serious injuries to officers and damage to several police vehicles.”
“Officers responded to the violence by dispersing the unruly crowds, during which one civilian fatality occurred; the deceased is identified as Misaki Okello, an adult male. Several suspects linked to today’s violence have been arrested and are currently in police custody.”
Police warned that hooliganism and confronting armed officers poses grave risks and that it “will not be tolerated, and will face decisive action.”
