Another person has reportedly died in the clashes between police and supporters of Esrom William Alenyo, whose swearing in as Nebbi district chairman was put on hold on Monday morning.
Agnes Paparu, a Uganda Red Cross volunteer confirmed the death.
This brings to two the number of people who have been shot dead in the clashes in Nebbi town. A combined force of police and UPDF are engaging Alenyo’s supporters who went wild after he was stopped from being sworn in.
The shooting of the man commonly known as Clever J Jawiya Parmu followed that of Henry Okwai earlier in the day. Okwai hails from Koch Parish in Nebbi Sub-county.
According to eye witnesses, two police officers who were fighting the rioters have also been shot with bows and arrows and have been rushed to Arua regional referral hospital.
When contacted over the shooting, Samuel Okot, the regional police commander who is commanding the forces could not confirm saying what they want is to bring the situation under control. He says whether life is lost or not they want people to use lawful means to get into office.
But a URN reporter in the area says there is violence in Nebbi town council as the demonstrators engage police in running battles. The rioters, mainly supporters of Alenyo moved towards the local government offices, demanding to know the reasons why he could not be sworn-in.
Jawiya was shot in the head as demonstrators reached the gate of the district offices chanting slogans and hurling insults. Most shops, Nursery and Primary school authorities did not allow their pupils to move home for lunch.
The home of the district NRM chairman, Keremoido George Adubango has been attacked and destroyed by the rioters.
Last month, High Court in Arua threw out the current LC5 chairperson, Robert Okumu after he lost the election petition. Court stayed the results of Electoral Commission that declared Alenyo winner. But Okumu went to the court of appeal seeking an injunction blocking Alenyo’s swearing in. His petition was however, also dismissed on Friday.
Okumu’s lawyer, Paul Manzi however says that they would continue to pursue the case of his client in the court of appeal. Ends
