By Andrew Irumba
Luweero: Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers have today gotten involved in bitter clashes with residents of Mabuye village, in Luweero district, which left both civilians and soldiers injures.
Our Spies have learnt that at least nine people and two UPDF soldiers have sustained injuries in the scuffle. Sources in the area reveal that the clashes broke out after locals attacked soldiers with pangas, accusing them of shielding cattle thieves in the area. The soldiers attached to Nakasongola Army barracks were allegedly on military training in the nearby hills at the time of the attack. The soldiers retaliated by unleashing commando tactics unto the rampaging locals, ruthlessly clobbering many of them. Some of the civilians who sustained injuries have include; Steven Kuteesa, the LC 1 Chairperson, Allan Jjumba, Francois Makobero, Vincent Mukumbya, Steven Kiraga, Brian Ssemujju, Muhamadi Masolo, Ronald Kamoga and Steven Katuluba. Although the injured UPDF solders are yet to be identified, reports indicate that they have reportedly been rushed to Nakasongola Army Hospital for treatment.
Kuteesa the LC 1 Chairperson of Mabuye in Kamira Sub County said that “I received a call from a resident informing me that there were armed men loitering in the village at around midnight and could be planning to steal their cattle.” He added that “I mobilized the residents who turned up to look for the men and arrested them, only to find out that they are UPDF soldiers. The UPDF soldiers later disarmed and undressed the residents before they were beaten and many left nursing injuries.” Kuteesa said they pleaded with the soldiers to let them go in vain.However, the UPDF spokesperson Brig. Richard Keremire is yet to issue a statement about this impasse although he hadn’t done so by the time we went to press.
