Angry motorists has killed one man and injured another critically in Luweero town council for their alleged involvement in the murder of a motorcycle taxi operator early this week. Paul Ssemanda alias Sadam Mabooke was killed on Thursday evening by motorists who raided his home at Kikubajinja Zone in Luweero town council.
They also set the deceased’s body ablaze and set his store on fire citing his alleged involvement in the murder of Bracio Kasule, a boda boda motorist formerly operating at Kasana UMEA stage on Tuesday night. Another suspect Amos Musasizi was rescued by police after being thumped into comma and is currently admitted at Kiwoko hospital. Police used teargas and live bullets to disperse the angry motorists who raided Luweero central Police station demanding for the release of a third suspect only identified as Mukooza for lynching.
The mob then retreated and blocked Kampala-Gulu highway paralyzing traffic and business for about two hours to compel police to release Mukooza. James Ssembatya, one of the motorists at Kasiiso stage says that they resorted to mob justice after police failed to arrest the thugs who have been attacking and killing motorists. He claims that three motorists have been killed within a space of one month and their motorcycles stolen, but police has only managed to arrest a single suspect.
James Mwanje, another motorist says that they have decided to mount their own operations to get rid of those suspected of stealing and buying stolen motorcycles because police had failed to arrest and prosecute. John Ssebwato, a resident of Luweero town council suspects that the robbers have been paying bribes to police officers to turn a blind eye to their atrocities.
Samuel Bamuzibire, the District Police Commander Luweero denies accusation directed at the force for not acting against the suspected thugs. Bamuzibire says that they had got clues leading them to the group but were shocked the mob justice. He says that they have tightened police at Luweero central police station where one of the suspects is being held and Kiwoko hospital where the other admitted.
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By 7pm, Lowery town council was calm as residents closed their shops early because of the riot by the motorists. Heavily armed policemen were seen patrolling the town to avert any possible outbreak of violence in the night.
