The National Unity Platform (NUP) Presidential flag bearer Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine’s Iganga rally turned fatal on Friday after the police shot dead one supporter and injured three others as it shot to disperse supporters after his final rally in Iganga distrct.
According to Bobi Wine, the deceased identified Meshach Okello was shot through the head as the police and military shot live bullets and teargas to disperse NUP supporters who were already leaving the rally venue back to their homes.
“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 added, “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’re still trying to verify)!”.
Bobi wine noted that three other supporters who were severely injured and are fighting for their lives in hospital include Nuwamanya Samuel 24, Naminya Banuli 44 and Faima Namusobya 24.
“Museveni and his criminal regime must be held accountable for all these crimes against humanity!” he said.
The party Secretary General David Rubongoya said UPDF soldiers came in and started shooting live bullets at the NUP supporters who were leaving the rally.
“So far, we have confirmed that a comrade called Okello Mesach has been killed, although several others are in a severe condition. Totally unacceptable!” he noted.
The police in a statement issued after the shooting said Okello was shot dead as officers responded to alleged violence from the dispersing NUP supporters.
“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” the police statement read.
The police noted that several suspects linked to Friday’s violence have been arrested and are currently in police custody.
The shooting adds to a number of growing disruptions that the NUP campaign trail has faced across the country at the hands of security operatives which include staging roadblocks on his way to rally venues, firing teargas, live bullets and/or using water cannons to disperse NUP supporters.
