The National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi on Sunday told reporters one of the members of his security team had died after he was allegedly run over by a military truck at Busega roundabout in Kampala.
Francis Kalibala was reportedly knocked dead as vehicles attached to Kyagulanyi’s team were rushing a journalist Ashraf Kasirye to Rubaga Hospital for medical attention.
Kasirye, a journalist attached to Gettho Media was seriously injured on Sunday morning as police dispersed NUP supporters in Masaka city and currently under Intensive Care at Rubaga Hospital.
Speaking to journalists at Rubaga Hospital where Frank was pronounced dead, Kyagulanyi, in a shaky voice broke down in tears but encouraged his supporters to “fight” despite the hardships.
“It is so sad that our colleague has been murdered. We must know that it is not going to be easy. It will involve tears and imprisonment but don’t lose courage. I want to urge you to stay courageous. Thats what we are left to do” Kyagulanyi said.
Kyagulanyi alleges that Francis was run over by a military police patrol truck Number H4DF 2382 which had blocked the convoy in Busega.
“Francis passed away a few minutes ago at Rubaga hospital. May your life never perish in vain brother,” he said in a statement on his social media platforms.
It is yet to be confirmed if Franci’s death was an accident as authorities are yet to comment on the incident.
Earlier, police spokesperson Mr Fred Enanga said in a statement that Kasirye sustained blunt force injuries above the left eye allegedly from a tear gas canister.
Mr Enanga said chaos ensued in Masaka after security team had “violent confrontations” with the Kyagulanyi and his supporters at a check point in Kyabakuza after they allegedly defied the route plan agreed upon to Kyotera District where he was supposed to campaign today.
“Tear gas was used to quell the violence and journalists were regrettably caught up during the process of dispersing the violent group. Notably among them was a Ghetto TV crew member identified as Ashraf Kasirye, who sustained blunt force injuries above the left eye allegedly from a canister. The victim was rushed to Masaka Referral Hospital for medical attention. He remains stable but in serious condition and on transfer to Kampala for better management,” Mr Enanga said in a statement issued Sunday.
Reports indicate that Kasirye sustained fractures on the skull. Another two journalists including NTV reporter, Ali Mivule and NBS’s Daniel Lutaaya are also nursing injured on legs after being hit by a teargas canisters during the mayhem.
The two are also admitted at Masaka regional referral hospital.
