Mityana Shooting Survivors Cry Out for Help

The Mityana Police shooting victims have cried out for help from government, compensation and prosecution of the police officers behind the shooting. At least six people were shot by police on August 19th, 2108 while quelling protests against the detention of the Mityana Municipality Member of Parliament, Francis Mutebi Zaake.

The shooting victims were aboard a taxi enroute to Mukono District for the Masaza football match. One of the victims identified as Sam Ssekiziyivu died on the spot while five others were rushed to Mulago National Referral hospital for treatment.

Another victim identified as Lawrence Jingo also succumbed to the bullet wounds he sustained in the abdomen. The remaining victims have since been discharged and are nursing injuries at their homes. The survivors narrated their plight to Joseph Kawuki, the Local Government Minister under Buganda Kingdom who paid a courtesy visit to each of them over the weekend to convey the Kabaka's message of sympathy and support to their families.

Doreen Asiimwe, who was shot in the left leg, says besides the pain she feels she is worried about the future of her family if she remains in her current condition. According to Asiimwe, she is the sole bread winner of her family from her saloon business, which she cannot attend to now.

//Cue in: "Bankuba amasasi ana….

Cue out…okukola emirimo gyenge."//

Jalia Nakamya, another victim says besides compensating them for the damage caused, government should also penalize the police officers who shot them.

At least two police officers including Corporal Kefa Moshi and Police Constable Morris Cheptai were picked up in connection to the shooting.

The relatives of the deceased victims also want Uganda Human Rights Commission-UHRC to intervene in the matter. 

//Cue in: "Ekitogole ekyo

Cue out…ate abanditulabiridde."//

While meeting the victims Joseph Kawuki, the Local Government Minister under Buganda Kingdom, noted that the Kabaka was saddened by the killings and injuries occasioned on his subjects.

//Cue in: "natumiddwa mukama wange…

Cue out…emundu ezabakwasibwa."//

Police and the army has maintained presence in Mityana Municipality to prevent any further protests because of the tension among the voters following government's refusal to seek treatment in India. Zaake, who spent almost two weeks at Lugaba Hospital, is currently stuck at Kiruddu Hospital awaiting the medical board to clear his travel.

The legislator is one of the people who were reportedly tortured by security following their arrest on the last campaign day of the just concluded Arua municipality parliamentary by-election for allegedly pelting the presidential motorcade.