Two MPs arrested for leading protest over rising coronavirus cases

Police have detained two MPs for allegedly mobilizing protestors in Gulu town in northern Uganda to demand for the closure of Elegu border town.

Kilak county MP, Mr Gilbert Olanya and his Aruu County counterpart, Mr Samuel Odonga Otto were arrested Monday from Pece division near Cerellenu, a suburb of Gulu town where they had mobilized youth and boda-boda operators to stage a demonstration over what they called increasing cases of COVID-19 in the country mostly brought about the truckers who arrive in the country through Elegu border point.

The lawmakers were arrested by a team of officers commanded by Gulu District police commander Mr Emmanuel Mafundo.

The MPs were arrested alongside Pece division LC3 chairman Mr Kelly Komakech and four other activists.

Mr Patrick Jimmy Okema, the police spokesman for Aswa river region told Daily Monitor that the politicians were arrested because they did not seek permission from the police.

“Two of the legislators and several others are in our custody at Gulu central police station. Investigations are ongoing while we trace other protestors who are on the run because their activities were illegal,” Mr Okema said.

The UPDF 4th division army spokesman, Maj Caesar Olweny said all means, including force, will be used against the protestors to prevent them from attracting crowds.

“We shall use every means we have including force not to give way for such meaningless demonstrations that will end up bringing people to mix and mess up in the streets. By that, they break the social distance protocol during which we potentially risk getting more infections,” Maj. Olweny said.