Police on Wednesday was compelled to use tear gas and fire live bullets to disperse angry residents of Nakivale in Rugaga Sub county, Isingiro district who were protesting the arrest of their colleagues.
Police had earlier in the morning at about 3am raided three families and arrested men who were accused of conducting an attack on the Nakivale Refugee Settlement Camp, accusing the refugees of stealing their land.
Police used teargas and live bullets to restore calm
On hearing the news of the arrests, locals were incensed and erupted in a violent protest, blocking the road that leads to the camp.
The angry residents piled huddles in the road such as rocks and logs, before destroying refugee camp’s sign posts, saying they would not allow refugees to take away their land.
Police from Mbarara arrives
“How can we become squatters on our own land?” one the residents shouted at the anti riot police.
When local police officers came to clear the road, the locals started hurling stones at them, and looking outnumbered, the officers fled.
More man power was called in from Mbarara, which came with a more fierce response. Using teargas and firing live bullets, they were able to disperse the rowdy residents.
A number of arrests were made in the aftermath
Among the arrested was LC III Chairman Rugaga sub county Matthias Tushabomwe, one Paul Ndugu Suwed Mubanza, Joshua Turyamureba, Allen Bihabwa and Benon Turyamureba.
The Rwizi region RPC Walugembe Robert said that further arrests will be made and the culprits will be taken to court and charged for malicious damage.
Rwizi RPC Robert Walugembe speaking to press