The police have initiated an investigation into the kidnapping of FDC chairman Wasswa Biriggwa and the assault on journalists. According to police spokesman Patrick Onyango, they possess photographs of some dangerous youths who were hired to commit the violence.
Onyango stated that the police cameras were instrumental in apprehending the culprits, and they have now begun tracing their whereabouts. It is alleged that some of these youths were hired from Kisenyi, while others were from Katwe-Kinyolo and Bwaise.
Reportedly, each youth was paid UGX 30,000/- and given strict orders to prevent anyone from entering unless they were the first to allow them in. They carried out this task diligently, continuously monitoring the area to ensure no one stood nearby.
These individuals resorted to throwing pepper spray at anyone attempting to approach the headquarters, turning the situation into what resembled a real battle.
The same violent actions were directed at Biriggwa when the youths obstructed his entry through a small door at the headquarters. After eventually gaining access, he was further denied exit until 5:00 p.m. when he was arrested.
FDC President Patrick Amuriat issued an apology statement on Friday, expressing remorse for the injuries inflicted on journalists by those found at their Najjanankumbi headquarters. He clarified that although the individuals responsible had been disciplined, such behavior did not reflect the FDC’s policy, as the party believed in upholding human rights. The FDC has launched an investigation into the perpetrators of the violence, and Amuriat pledged to handle the matter in accordance with the law. He assured that this incident had taught them a lesson, and they would take measures to prevent its recurrence at their headquarters.
