Follow Country Men and Good People of Mityana, I issue this Statement explaining the circumstances that led to my assault by UPDF Soldiers yesterday the 7th day of July 2020 at around 6:00pm.
I was driving through Mityana Town when I came across a group of Soldiers caning and assaulting a woman who had been carried on a boda boda.
She fell down got injuries and the beating continued mean while another Soldier was forcing a certain shop to close before curfew time.
I parked my vehicle and asked them why they were beating people, I had earlier on received reports that a one Kakumba one of the NRM Aspirants for MP Ship Mityana Municipality was also beaten a few days ago during Broad daylight.
That is in addition to the numerous complainants I got from the general public on the same issue. The Soldier, who were visibly drank, assaulted me and dragged me up to the Police Station where their Commander Lt. Kakonge immediately arrested one of them. The video that circulated informed the various Offices who immediately intervened.
I am grateful to State House, Lt. Col. Edith Nakalema , The Army Commander General Muhoozi, The Director General C.M.I The Army Spokesperson Brig. Karemire, Maj. General Kiwanuka, Maj. General Kawaga and others including my friend Sebina Sekitoleko for explaining to me that those were individual actions and that the Army was to prosecute them.
Under Article 183 of the Constitution I am the Political Head of the District and 183 (2) (b) I monitor the General Administration of the District and 183 (2) (d) coordinate and monitor Government functions including provision of Security or other wise and report to Government accordingly.
The Local Governments Act Cap. 243. in Section 13 provides my roles, which all, include ensuring the General well being of the people in my District. And it’s therefore my responsibility to ensure that no one mistreats my people.
In a security meeting held today 8th July, 2020 at the District Headquarters, in company of the team sent by the Commander of Land Forces Gen. David Muhoozi, comprising of Maj. Gen. Sam Kavuma, Maj. Gen. Sam Kawaga and Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko.
The UPDF has assured me and the People of Uganda particularly Mityana that they condemn the assault of not only myself but of any other person in the entire Country and all the Soldiers that assaulted me are under custody in Mityana District.
They have further stated that their trial and prosecution shall be by a field Court Martial held here in Mityana.
They have also assured the people of Mityana that no more assaults or beating of people shall take place and they have directed the UPDF Soldiers in Mityana to go back to their Base and only will come out upon request by the Police.
I call upon the people of Mityana to stay calm and also obey all the Presidential Directives on Covid-19.
Thank you UPDF.
Thank you State House.
Joseph Luzige, The District Chairman Mityana.
