Teargas in Mbarara as cyclists Protest
Police in Mbarara fired teargas yesterday to disperse a group of boda boda cyclists .These were protesting against a move by Mbarara City Council that asks the cyclists to hold their structural leadership elections through electoral colleges.
The protest follows a resolution by a council sitting last week to release and launch an electoral roadmap meant to guide the boda boda riders through the exercise of choosing their leaders. In the same week, a launch of the roadmap was done.
According to the Mbarara Central Police Station Officer in charge of operations, ASP Swizin Tibesigwa, their intervention was aimed at stopping the riders from defying police instructions on holding a procession. He further encouraged them to use the court system if a solution is not arrived at with City council authorities.
Sadious Ounkunda, one of the leaders of the riders challenged this plan saying that college elections are not in line with their constitution.
The Mbarara City Resident Commissioner, James Mwesigye, warned them against further protests which will result into strong action in case they do not heed his advice.
