Tear gas and live bullets rocked Kisoro town on Saturday as police engaged in running battles with supporters of the incumbent Bafumbira south Member of parliament Sam Kwizera Bitangaro, who were demanding his immediate release.
Bitangaro was on Friday arrested for allegedly holding a political rally contrary to the Covid-19 preventive directives.
The MP was picked from Nyarusiza Sub County by police under the command of Christopher Ruhunda, the Kisoro District Police Commander.
Police accuse Bitangaro of allegedly holding a big rally at Kabindi Playground in Nyarusiza Sub County on Wednesday this week where hundreds of supporters turned up with no face masks and failed to observe social distancing.
On Saturday morning Bitangaro supporters stormed Kisoro police station where he is currently detained and demanded for his.
Police responded by using teargas and firing live bullets to disperse the rowdy supporters.
In the chaos that ensued, one person was injured in the face.
Bitangaro, who is seeking a second term in Parliament is facing competition from Engineer Alex Seruganda alias Supa Seru, an official in the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) in next week’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries.
In June, the Electoral Commission banned open air campaign rallies to prevent the spread of COVID-19. All candidates will be expected to campaign through various forms of media.
