Live bullets and teargas have today morning rocked Busia Town as security dispersed protesting Taxi drivers.
Since morning officers from the Police Force, Local Defense Unit-LDU and the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces – UPDF have had running battles with drivers who were protesting against the continued lockdown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The drivers engaged in burning tyres, blocking streets like Tororo road, Customs road, and Busia main market among others. The activity left business affected as traders closed their businesses.
Police was forced to use live bullets and teargas as a way of dispersing the rowdy drivers.
Hassan Mudukanya, a taxi driver who doubles as the chairman Mbale stage says that they are oppressed by the continuous lockdown.
He said they want to know why president Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has not come up to allow them operate. Mr. Hassan Speaking;….
Muhammad Wandera, another driver says that they are ready to continue expressing their dissatisfaction until the government understands that they are suffering.
Paul Kalikwan Mwidu, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner, condemned the act and said the drivers should have waited for feedback on the previous petition. He also condemned the procedures that police used to handle the drivers’ concerns. Mr.Paul on Drivers Speaking;
Yesterday, the boda -boda riders in the same district also protested against what they called brutal and harsh treatment by the police.
Ends .