By KT Reporter
The Presidential candidate for the National Unity Platform-NUP party Robert Kyagulanyi-Bobi Wine has condemned what he called “brutality and deliberate killing of suspected smugglers in West Nile by government enforcement agents.
Addressing a crowd at Koboko Municipality Boma grounds today on his campaign tour of the region, Kyagulanyi blamed the NRM government for using excessive force that has since ended the lives of dozens of youths in West Nile in the name of fighting smuggling.
More than 20 boys suspected to be involved in smuggling have so far lost their lives in the districts of Nebbi, Zombo, Arua, Arua City, Maracha, Yumbe, Moyo, with Koboko having the highest number of victims in an encounter with Uganda Revenue Authority Enforcement officers in the last five years.
Citing the latest incident over the weekend in Koboko where a suspected smuggler was hit by Uganda Revenue Authority Enforcement Officers while reportedly riding with jericans of smuggled fuel and he died on the spot, Bobi Wine said instead of such highhandedness by the enforcement officers, the youths should be helped to created jobs and provided with conducive business environment.
He also called on the youth and the people of Koboko and West Nile to vote for change adding that his government will promote free and conducive trade between Uganda, DR Congo and South Sudan to the benefit of the youth and all the citizens.
Kyagulanyi also appealed to the people of Koboko and West Nile to break the bonds of disunity in the Country and be united for a change.
Lina Zedriga the NUP vice president and Habib Asega the NUP Party mobilizer for northern Uganda urged the people of Koboko to stand firm and resist being intimidated as they demand for change in the coming elections.
Two years ago, Commissioner URA-John Musinguzi together with the Minister of State for Finance Henry Musasizi announce a reduction of tax on motorcycle registration for West Nile but this grace period expired in October.
But the reports now indicates that URA Enforcement have heightened their operations against numberless and foreign registered motorcyclesin the region.
Heavily deployed with re-enforcement from Arua remained as Kyagulanyi was welcomed to Koboko from Eru bridge, the border of Maracha and Koboko districts and addressed a big crowd opposite Koboko Central Police Station.
He is expected to address supporters in Koboko north before proceeding to Yumbe where he will conclude his campaign program for Friday. Bobi Wine will tomorrow Saturday campaign in Obongi and Moyo and conclude West Nile Tour on Sunday in Adjumani district.
-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
