Police stops CP rally

By Herbert Ssempogo

BUSINESS came to a near standstill at Nakasero Market on Friday as the Police stopped Conservative Party boss Ken Lukyamuzi from holding a rally protesting the use of DDT.

Accompanied by his daughter, Lubaga South MP Susan Nampijja, and a few supporters, Lukyamuzi, in the white and purple party colours, arrived at the market at about 3:00pm to chanting from vendors.

However, their joy was short-lived as the Police, led by Central Police Station (CPS) chief Ivan Nkwasibwe, accosted the group that was supposed to address the people.

“You are not supposed to hold a rally here,” Nkwasibwe told Lukyamuzi, who was to address the people on the impending use of DDT to fight malaria.

“It is okay. Let me leave,” Lukyamuzi replied, before taking off with a few of his supporters.

The Police had authorised the rally, but advised Lukyamuzi to hold it at the Clock Tower in order to avoid disrupting business in the city centre. Drama unfolded as vendors tried to resist the arrest of some party members, but the Police overpowered them.

Youth Secretary Semusu Mugobansonga screamed as he was lifted onto a police truck that whisked him off to CPS.

Abdukarim Kiggundu and another unidentified man were also arrested.
People gathered in the roads and a heavy traffic jam developed around the market.

As his party members were being arrested, Lukyamuzi rushed to another street close to the market and addressed a gathering.

“I am here to ask you not let any person to come into your houses to spray DDT.

You are not insects to be sprayed with chemicals,” he said to ululations. “You should not associate with DDT because it will affect the fruits and vegetables you sell.”

Published on: Saturday, 3rd February, 2007