Police and UPDF have accused National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine of holding unlawful procession as they justified attack on journalists who were covering the former presidential candidate as he delivered his petition to the United Nation Human Rights offices in Kampala.
At least 10 journalists were left nursing injuries after military personnel attached to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) assaulted them while covering Kyagulanyi who was accompanied by relatives of Ugandans who have been abducted by security operatives during and after elections.
However, Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Patrick Onyango said they have opened an inquiry at Jinja Road Divisional Headquarters in Kampala to establish the circumstances under which journalists and other citizens were battered by military police and left nursing injuries.
Onyango further said Kyagulanyi who was reportedly scheduled to appear with three other NUP officials due to the Covid-19 protocols allegedly disregarded the guidelines and held an illegal procession and assembly involving boda-bodas, motor vehicles and supporters walking on foot.
Onyango said due to the acts of overcrowding it led to additional reinforcement that helped disperse the uncontrolled crowds and unfortunately, a few people sustained injuries including journalists.
The UPDF spokesperson, Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso said the group assaulted one of the security personnel at the cutoff point and that required they be pushed back forcefully.
