The West Nile region Police Spokesperson, Angucia Josephine has revealed that the force has so far arrested 32 National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters and is on the hunt for more over allegedly stoning and damaging four Police trucks in Arua on Wednesday,
In a statement released on Thursday, Angucia revealed that the supporters threw stones at the vehicles for close to 40 minutes from 4:59 pm to 5:35 pm leaving them damaged and in need of very urgent repair.
“Some of his supporters threw stones at police, damaging the following vehicles: UP 03271 at 16:59 hours, UP M/V 03346 at 17:34 hours, UP M/V 00173 at 17:35 hours and UP M/V 7697” she said.
Angucia said Police has opened separate cases of malicious damage, each with different reference numbers against the supporters at Arua CPS.
“CCTV footage is being analyzed to identify those involved in the damage to police vehicles. As of now, 32 suspects have been arrested following CCTV analysis, and they are currently detained at Arua CPS pending further investigation” she said.
Angucia noted that the damaged vehicles will be inspected by the Inspector of Motor Vehicles as efforts to locate other suspects are ongoing.
Angucia further revealed that trouble began when the NUP Presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu diverted from the originally agreed routes with a large crowd as he they tried to access Arua City through Onduparaka Trading Centre.
“However, he was blocked and unable to proceed. He then made a U-turn, apparently intending to follow the agreed-upon route through Ediofe to Barifa. Instead, he boarded a boda boda, covered his face with a motorcycle helmet, and traveled on a numberless motorcycle through the City Centre to the NUP offices in Oli Central Division” she said.
She added, “There, he climbed onto the rooftop of an unfinished building housing his office to address his supporters, despite the originally agreed route, Mr. Kyagulanyi continued with a large and rowdy crowd following him via Rhino Camp Road to the venue at Inzikuru Stadium, Barifa”.
Angucia noted that it was at this point that some of the supporters threw stones at police, damaging it’s four vehicles.
