AGE LIMIT TURNS BLOODY, ONE PERSON SHOT DEAD IN RUKUNGIRI

By www.mknewslink.com reporter

In Rukungiri–

Consultation meetings by opposition leaders on Age Limit removal have left one person dead and several others with bullet wounds in Rukungiri municipality.

Police yesterday evening clashed with crowds of people who had gathered for a rally organized by their area MP Hon. Rolland Mugume Kaginda to voice their opposition to the presidential Age Limit removal.
Kaginda who was accompanied by the former FDC presidential candidate Rtd Col.Dr.Kizza Besigye, Ingrid Turinawe ,Patrick Oboi Amuriat, Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and other FDC officials were blocked by police to address the rally in Rukungiri main stadium.
Police that was being commanded by Richard Emuna, the Rukungiri District Police Commander blocked all routes heading to Rukungiri Municipal Stadium where, the politicians were going to address a rally.

There was a standoff between police and the FDC supporters which resulted into exchanging stones with bullets.

During the fracas, one Edson Nasasira, 22, a taxi tout at Nabugabo stage and resident of Kafunjo cell, Eastern division in Rukungiri Municipality was shot dead and police officers were pelted with stones.

Police denied having shot dead Edson Nasaasira, arguing that he was hit by a stone.However, an eye witness who preferred anonymity confirmed to www.mknewslink.com that Nasaasira was shot dead by police.

Police fired teargas and live bullets while the opposition supporter pelted stones at police officers. In the process Kakuru was shot in the head and he died on spot.

Mr Kaginda and his team wanted to hold consultations about the proposed constitutional amendment to remove presidential age limits. However, police fired teargas and live bullets in the air to disperse supporters who has arrived in many groups wearing red ribbons and singing, Togikwatako.

This is in reference to Article 102(b) of the constitution which sets 35 and 75 years respectively, as minimum and maximum age caps for someone to stand as president.

Dr. Besigye’s car was shot at and a bullet appeared to go through its rear wind screen, while that of Turinawe had the entire rear windscreen shattered.

Richard Emuna, the Rukingiri District Police Commander, declined to comment on the issue. However, he had earlier said that police was not informed and that there was no way they could allow such a gathering.

But Virginia Kyarugahe, the FDC party Chairperson for Rukungiri District insisted that police was notified in time but they are only biased.

Igara West Member of parliament Raphael Magyezi early this month tabled a Constitution Amendment Bill seeking to delete Article 102(b) arguing that the provision is discriminatory.

But many oppose Magyezi’s move arguing it is an attempt to open the door for President Yoweri Museveni to contest again when his current term expires in 2021.

Source: www.mknewslink.com a western Uganda news website.

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