Ugandan presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, sits inside a police vehicle in Luuka district, eastern Uganda, Nov. 18, 2020. COURTESY PHOTO.
The reported use of excessive force on those protesting against the arrest of National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential flagbearer Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has caught the attention of Christian leaders in Uganda who have, in different platforms, condemned the violence.
Chaos erupted Wednesday as supporters of Mr Kyagulanyi gathered in the capital, Kampala, chanting his name and setting fires. Police responded with tear gas and live bullets to disperse the crowds, reports show.
“We were all raised in homes where the first reaction to an issue was never a beating but dialogue. Uganda is our home, why should we now resort to weaponry and force as a first response? Just as our good parents exercised restraint, anyone in authority should do likewise,” Worship leader, Pastor and recording artist Isaac Serukenya from Miracle Centre Cathedral – Rubaga stated.
“My heart bleeds. I am not NUP or NRM or any other political party, but I am just an ordinary Ugandan with a passion for God and My Country! I want to listen in peace to the submissions of various candidates and make a decision and cast my vote in Peace and let the best candidate win and move on in peace,” he added, calling for prayer.
Pastor Umar Mulinde of Gospel Life Church, Namasuba said: “Uganda police, if anything, just arrest and take to court, but please stop indiscriminate shooting, stop extrajudicial killing of innocent civilians.”
David Rubongoya, the National Unity Platform party secretary, told media that Mr Kyagulanyi was detained as he was entering Luuka district, eastern Uganda, for violating guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Electoral Commission to curb the spread of COVID-19.
“He was violently arrested and pepper sprayed and brutalized. He’s being driven to an unknown destination in a military truck,” Rubongoya said, according to Voice of Africa.
Pastor Mark Kigozi of Real Life Family Church responded to the unrest saying he is saddened by the senseless loss of life of innocents and also the insensitive response to the ills in society.
“Must you burn tires, block roads, demand for money? Are you fighting for or against the people you seem to want to liberate? It seems in all this, it’s the innocents who are suffering! Police responds brutally and lives are lost! Protestors respond irrationally and property is lost plus insecurity. Can this equation be solved amicably with minimum collateral damage?” he wondered.
At Watoto Church, one of the ministry leaders, Mr Peter Rujojo Kakuru said his heart is “very burdened” by the unfortunate incidents of violence .
He urged that irrespective of one’s political affiliation, demonstrators must put the welfare of the nation first.
“When your leaders become misleaders and our mentors become tormentors and your freedom of expression becomes their target of oppression, you close and consider Churches and crusades none essential and expect believers to still put thumbs up? Let’s try another leader! I completely changed my mind and many pastors have changed their minds , Let’s try Kyagulanyi ssentamu,” said Stephen Waiswa of Bible Evangelism Ministries – Kawempe.
“Amidst all this, be an agent of peace,” Rt. Rev. Johnson Twinomujuni, Bishop, West Ankole Diocese said.
Adding: “Take action not to escalate a riot, but to bring about calm. Do not take advantage of this chaos to hurt or harm your fellow citizen. See this time as an opportunity to do what pleases God, and He will reward you,” Rt. Rev. Johnson Twinomujuni, Bishop, West Ankole Diocese said.
Aside Mr Kyagulanyi, Police on Wednesday arrested Pastor Andrew Muwanguzi, and the Forum for Democratic Change Presidential aspirant Patrick Amuriat, who was later released.
“The two were actively involved in the massive mobilization of assemblies and processions amidst the threat of Covid-19 in Uganda. The majority of the participants had no safeguards of facemasks, physical distancing, and proper hygiene,” Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga said during a presser.
Enanga said that a total of 3 people died while 34 sustained injuries during the violent confrontations and were rushed to Mulago National Referral hospital for further medical attention. However, unconfirmed sources believe that the figures could get higher, due to the injuries some people had sustained.
