Police have refuted reports of firing rubber bullets during a scuffle between police and the supporters of Joseph Mayanja alias Jose Chameleon earlier today in Balintuma Rd Mengo Rubaga Division in Kampala.
According to Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson said Chameleon and his supporters led by Luboowa Henry, the campaigning manager had organized an illegal gathering without prior permission from authorities.
Today, police foiled efforts by Joseph Mayanja to open a People Power – NUP office in Mengo. Police arrested Luboowa and was seen being dragged on to a police van.
Chameleon, who is seeking to become Kampala Lord Mayor had planned to launch his electoral campaign, only for the efforts to end in running battles, tear gas and chaos.
Onyango said Chameleon and his supporters had mobilized a large number of people many of whom didn’t observe the Standards Operating Procedures (SOPs) such as ensuring the 2m social distance, wearing of face masks etcetera contrary to the set guidelines on COVID-19.
He said police first warned the organizers who to comply with the guidelines but they outrightly rejected.
“We talked to the organizers to put in place all the SOPs of the ministry of health. They refused to comply,” said Onyango.
Onyango added that police attempts to peacefully stop gathering fell off a deaf ear when they started throwing stones at police.
“We engaged the attendants to leave the venue but instead they returned attacking us with stones prompting officers to respond by spraying teargas to disperse them,”
During a scuffle, Chameleon was wounded in the leg which people allege was fired with a rubber bullet however, Onyango denied claims.
“We didn’t use rubber bullets during an operation and there were no injuries,” Onyango added.
He revealed that two suspects were arrested and currently being detained at Old Kampala police station on charges of disobedience of lawful orders.
