KYANKWANZI — A group of ‘drunkards’ at Gala Trading Centre in Kyankwanzi District attacked and badly clobbered a senior Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) officer at the rank of a Major into coma.
Army spokesperson Brig Richard Karemire says Maj Robert Nkwasibwe who until now is in hospital was commanding a joint UPDF/Police Patrol operation during curfew hours.
‘He was on a joint UPDF/Police patrol attacked at Gala Trading Centre by people in bars during curfew hours,” Brig Karemire says.
The group in total violation of the law, allegedly came behind Maj Nkwasibwe and hit him with an object from behind, forcing him to helplessly fall onto his back unconsciously.
He was rushed to Hoima Referral hospital where his is being addressed.
The army has since arrested over 10 people including men women women.
Brig. Karemire this is the 70th reported attack on security forces since the lockdown started.
President Museveni recently issued a stinging warning to civilians against attacking security forces enforcing lawful orders, saying “they have a right to shoot you”.
The President while addressing the country on April 14 warned that attacking armed personnel is like “committing suicide”.
“If you throw stones at police and other security officers, they will be allowed to shoot to disable you,” the president warned.
“For those beating soldiers. You beat me, a soldier, how? I will beat you until you are subdued. Then, I arrest you!” he noted adding: “What we do not want is policemen with Kiboko. Even cows, we no longer use sticks to look after them!”
This was after a junior UPDF officer Pte. Alex Niwanyine was attacked in Bibia Municipality in Amuru district, northern Uganda, while enforcing the coronavirus lockdown curfew.
Mr. Museveni saluted the soldier who had his eye gouged out by a civilian by not retaliating with armed fire.