Detectives have started searching for a controversial Mayor for reportedly mobilising people to block police’s plans to raid his bar in Wobulenzi Town Council, Luwero District.
The development comes a day after a street battle between supporters of Moses Ssebalamu and police personnel in Wobulenzi.
Police spokesperson Fred Enanga says the Mayor and others face charges of incitement to violence, obstruction of police officers on lawful duty and for violation of the curfew restrictions.
It is alleged on Saturday night, October 30, at around 7:30pm, the OC station, Wobulenzi Police Station, ASP Kenneth Masette and 4 others, went out on routine enforcement of the curfew and security patrols within Wobulenzi Town Council.
“When the patrollers reached the modern cell, at around 8pm, they were obstructed by the Mayor, Hon. Moses Ssebalamu, who started insulting the officers and inciting the youths and other members of the public against them, claiming curfew no longer existed in Uganda,” said Enanga.
“They started throwing stones, and injured the officers. The officers out of self-defense discharged 13 bullets, which injured two victims namely; Seguya Ivan, a 35-year-old businessman of Wobulenzi Town Council, who was injured on the right leg and Nakitende Beatrice, a 15-year-old, female juvenile of Wabamba Cell in Wobulenzi Town Council, who was injured to the left leg. The two victims were rushed to Bombo Military Hospital, where they are undergoing treatment,” he added.
He said the Mayor “purposely mobilized against the team of patrollers, to prevent them from reaching his bar, which operates stealthily behind closed doors.”
Eyewitnesses said vendors asked police to leave them to operate, considering that other shops in the town were still open.
When police insisted on closing the shops, a physical battle ensued.
Police now say this is the second incident of incitement to violence, after him actively participating in the famous November riots where they allegedly burnt the Chief Magistrates Court in Wobulenzi. He was charged to court.
“As the Joint Security Agencies, we are committed to the rule of law and the protection of all law-abiding citizens. Such lawless acts of attacks on security personnel is an attack against our country. We are going to ensure that all those responsible for these disgraceful criminal acts, are traced and held accountable for the criminal acts,” said Enanga.
