By KT Reporter
Thirty-seven victims of the 2018 Arua Municipality parliamentary by-election chaos are demanding justice, seven years after the incident. On August 13, 2018, violence broke out between supporters of the People Power movement, led by Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), and President Yoweri Museveni’s convoy near Arua Government Prisons along Ediofe Cathedral Road.
The campaigns were in their final stages to replace the late MP Ibrahim Abiriga, who had been shot dead near his Kawanda home on June 10, 2018. On that day, President Museveni campaigned for Nusura Tiperu at Arua Hill Playgrounds, FDC’s Dr. Kizza Besigye supported Bruce Musema Mudashir at Arua Primary School grounds, while Bobi Wine and his People Power team campaigned for Kassiano Wadri at Arua Prisons Primary School grounds.
By 6 p.m., the Municipality descended into chaos after Special Forces Command (SFC) soldiers, who had escorted Museveni to Pokea Primary School to board a helicopter, returned and retaliated over the alleged stoning of the President’s vehicle. Along Ediofe Road, they clashed with Bobi Wine’s supporters.
Bobi Wine’s driver, Yasin Kawuma, was shot dead at Hotel Pacific as he parked a vehicle waiting for his boss, who had taken a boda boda to avoid traffic. More than 10 people were seriously injured as SFC soldiers opened fire on crowds, damaging vehicles belonging to Bobi Wine and Francis Zaake.
Dozens of People Power supporters, including Kassiano Wadri, Night Asara, and other rally organizers, were arrested with the help of police and intelligence operatives. They were charged with terrorism and treason, and later transferred to Gulu for trial. Despite the case being filed, proceedings stalled after several court appearances in 2018 and early 2019, with the State Attorney staying the charges throughout the COVID-19 period. The accused remain in legal limbo to date.
Kassiano Wadri, who won the by-election while still in detention, told URN that the prolonged delay speaks for itself.
Night Asara, the Arua Municipality councilor, said she sustained severe injuries, including shattered hip bones, during her arrest and detention. Together with three others who suffered permanent injuries, she has sued the State but is still awaiting a court ruling.
Bobi Wine’s bullet-riddled Tundra vehicle remains parked at the Arua City Police Mechanical Workshop Yard as an exhibit. Police spokesperson for West Nile, Jimmy Anguyo, said it would be held until the case is concluded. Meanwhile, security personnel conducted three separate searches in Arua for the “magic stone” allegedly used to hit Museveni’s vehicle, but no report has ever been released.
Five police officers, including the then regional police commander, traffic officer, and intelligence officer, were later tried by the Police Tribunal. Two were acquitted with warnings, while three had their ranks reduced.
-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
