A section of Kayunga residents together with their leaders on Sunday protested what they called the in-lawful arrest of their area MP.
Hon Amos Lugolobi, the Minister of State for Planning at the Ministry of Finance, planning, and economic development was on Friday arrested following his direct involvement in the Karamoja Iron Sheet Scandal.
He was reportedly on his way to the airport when he was arrested and is currently being held at Kiira Road Police Station.
The protest was led by Mr. Andrew Muwonge, the Kayunga District chairperson, who vowed to proceed to Kampala if Mr. Lugoloobi is not released today. During a meeting attended by over 100 leaders and residents at the minister’s home in Namulanda in Kayunga Sub-county, Mr. Muwonge stated that they would storm Kampala City tomorrow if their legislator is not released. He added that despite being a strong National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporter, he is willing to desert the party.
“We are going to close the district offices until the MP is released. I have been receiving intimidating phone calls asking me to abandon this matter, but I am ready to be arrested and join Lugoloobi in police cells,” Mr. Muwonge said.
Mr. Saleh Bulinsoni, the Kayunga District Speaker, expressed his support for Mr. Lugoloobi, describing him as an asset to the district. He stated that some of the projects the MP lobbied for include the Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital, tarmacking of the Kayunga-Busaana road, and rural electrification, among others.
“Our son Lugoloobi has never been a thief. Maybe when he joined thieves in government, he started stealing,” Mr. Bulinsoni said amidst laughter.
