Soldiers take over security in Lira town

Soldiers and police officers deployed at Lira-based radio station, Unity FM gate after it was switched off for allegedly inciting violence on November 17, 2018. PHOTO BY ISAAC OTWII

What you need to know:

  • Major streets like Oyam road, Kwania, Olwol and areas in the suburbs of Jinja Camp, Tesobar in Adyel Division have been taken over by the soldiers.

Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) Saturday took over security in Lira town.

The move followed the continued and persistent clashes between riot police personnel and a group of youths who had waged attacks against Asian traders.

Police fired live bullets and teargas canisters to disperse the rowdy group that had taken over major streets in Lira town.

Also Read

This prompted Lira District security authorities to call for reinforcement from the Acholpii based 5th Division Army Command in Pader District.

The soldiers arrived in Lira town at about 7:30 pm and subsequently took over security control both within the town centre and major suburbs. The presence of the army is visible in Tesobar in Adyel Division and Jinja Camp in Ojwina Division among others.

READ:

Three shot, radio station switched off as tensions rise in Lira

Unity Radio, one of the stations broadcasting from Lira has been switched off, moments after it was raided by security personnel

The soldiers also took over Radio Unity, One of the radio stations based in Lira town. Six workers of radio Unity FM were paraded at Lira CPS over allegations of inciting violence.

Gunshots continued to be heard within the town centre through the evening, some suburbs in Baro-ogole and areas around Cuk Atat market which is dominated by street children.

Lira DPC Joel Tubanone declined to divulge further information regarding the operation. He however, said security agencies are working together to restore sanity in Lira town.

Several businesses owned by the Indians including Letshego financial service, Bidco, Supermarkets among others were attacked by the group.

Major streets like Oyam road, Kwania, Olwol and areas in the suburbs of Jinja Camp, Tesobar in Adyel Division have been taken over by the soldiers.
This is the second attempt by the street children to attack Asian traders operating various businesses in Lira town. On Monday, Police thwarted attacks on Asian traders by the same group promoting them to close their shops for two days.
This followed accusations against the Asian community of allegedly causing the death of an 11-year-old pupil, Dickens Okello in Kole District. Okello was buried on Saturday.

In the headlines