Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers resorted to firing live bullets to disperse irate residents who took to the streets to protest the increasing number of road accidents. These accidents are attributed to trucks associated with the construction of the Kira-Kasangati-Matugga road in Wakiso District.
The UPDF soldiers had been deployed to safeguard the construction site, which was being operated by the private contractors, Cico Construction. The protest ensued after an unidentified Sino truck was allegedly involved in a fatal accident on Matugga-Semuto Road. The incident claimed the lives of two individuals: Edward Kyobe, a pastor at the Miracle Healing Centre in Saayi, Matugga, and Alex Kimuli, a bodaboda (motorcycle taxi) rider and a resident of Kavule Cell. Another victim, Rose Mubiru, sustained critical injuries and was rushed to Mulago Hospital for treatment.
Community anger escalated as witnesses claimed that the truck failed to stop after striking Rose Mubiru. Residents pursued the vehicle, pelting it with stones until it sought refuge within the confines of the Cico Construction compound.
Innocent Twinomugisha, a bodaboda rider from Semuto, expressed frustration with the reckless driving behavior of trucks on the road. He stated that as many as 10 people had lost their lives or sustained serious injuries on the road in just one week.
Patrick Menya, who also joined the protest at the construction site, asserted that his own car, a BMW X3 with registration number UBF 577B, had been involved in an accident with a Sino truck.
Amid the growing tensions, UPDF soldiers resorted to firing live bullets in an attempt to disperse the agitated crowd. During the chaos, journalist Mohammad Katabira, affiliated with BBS TV, was allegedly attacked by the soldiers, resulting in damage to his camera equipment.
Matugga Police Commander, Umar Kakembo, intervened to aid Mohammad Katabira. A case of assault and malicious damage was subsequently filed with the reference number SD REF 44/15/09/2022.
UPDF spokesperson Brig. Felix Kulaigye confirmed that a team had been dispatched to investigate the incident thoroughly. He assured that any soldier found to have attacked the journalist would be held accountable and face appropriate disciplinary actions.
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