MPIGI – Internal Affairs minister Jeje Odongo has been whisked away from the funeral of Muhammad Kirumira in Mpambire, Mawokota in Mpigi District after he was stoned by irate mourners who accused government of killing their son.
The funeral ceremony, which started with speeches at around 3.30pm on Sunday afternoon, was an opposition political rally of sorts, with speaker after speaker condemning the government for failing to control the killings.
The ceremony was attended by, among others, Butambala County MP Muwanga Kivumbi, Medard Ssegona, Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and Gaffa Mbwatekamwa and several other MPs. Police spokesman Emilian Kayima was also in attendance.
The speeches often began with slogans of ‘People Power our power’ as residents demanded the ruling party to call it quits, accusing it superintending the killings in the country.
Hell broke loose when Gen Odongo, escorted by heavily guarded soldiers and police officers arrived. He was accompanied by Kirumira’s friend, Afande Omala.
Whereas Omala was allowed to assume his seat, residents heckled and booed Gen Odongo, who was dressed in a tunic. Attempts by the MC to call for order fell on deaf ears and sensing danger, the soldiers whisked away Gen Odongo amid pelting of stones.
The vehicles passing by the funeral, which is by the roadside, were also pelted with stones by angry mourners. With the minister gone, the speeches continued, with Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago addressing the mourners.
President Museveni was also on Saturday night booed and heckled by residents of Bulenga, who had gathered at the crime scene where former outspoken police officer Kirumira was shot dead.
Kirumira was shot together with another woman identified as Resty Nalinya in the former’s car as the duo arrived at Kirumira’s home in Bulenga near Kampala. Nalinya died on the spot while Kirumira was confirmed dead at Lubaga hospital.
The President, who arrived at the scene at around 11:45 pm, and started walking on the road, was booed by residents who had gathered at the crime scene.
Some were heard shouting at him: “Tukooye okutibwa Mzee! Lwaki togenda? [We are tired of being killed! Why don’t you resign?]”
Another one, who was very close to him, was heard saying: “We want you to take action. People are getting finished, what will you rule, an empty country?”
This angered the soldiers of the Special Forces Command that guards the President and they began dispersed the crowds.
Those with video cameras were ordered to switch them and some TV stations doing live coverage were ordered to switch off and stop the live coverage.
