By Kampala Post Reporter
Three supporters of opposition candidate in the Hoima Parliamentary by-election have been arrested for leading an illegal procession.
Those arrested include, Ibrahim Muhumuza, Hakim Kyosaba and Musa Kalanzi, alias Shaun man. Albertine region police spokesperson Julius Hakiza says the trio now in detention at Hoima Police Station is charged with inciting violence. The suspects were picked by police on Wednesday morning with a group of others marching to office of Hoima Resident District Commissioner, Samuel Kisembo.
Holding placards written on “We need equal rights for all candidates” the youth complained that their candidate has been barred by security from appearing on radio, yet her rival NRM’s Harriet Businge’s radio programs continue uninterrupted. They claimed that this is injustice to their candidate. The police accused the youth of holding an illegal procession since they were not notified as per the Public Order Management law.
Kampala Post could not however, readily speak to RDC Samuel Kisembo Araali, the district’s head of security to confirm the alleged security directive. This website also gathered that apart from Spice FM, Nyakato has been appearing on the other radio stations; Radio Hoima and Liberty FM. Other reports point to biased radio bosses who could be hiding behind security directive claims to protect personal interests.
Meanwhile a staff at Spice FM who spoke on condition of anonymity since he is not authorized to speak for the radio station said, “The matter is between them (opposition) and security.” “These radio stations are owned by individuals. Managers don’t do anything which bosses are not aware of,” the staff further stated. Spice FM is owned by Edgar Agaba, the Chief Executive Officer National Gaming Board Uganda, who is rumoured to be backing the NRM candidate, Harriet Busiinge.
Hoima Parliamentary by-election is slated for next week September 26. The Parliamentary seat fell vacant after the sitting legislator, Tophas Kaahwa Byagira opted to represent the newly created Kikuube district.
