The Uganda Peoples Defense Forces -UPDF have taken over security in Lira town following a string of attacks by local youth groups on Pakistani nationals operating in the area.
The move followed the continued and persistent clashes between anti-riot police personnel and a group of youths who had waged attacks against Asian traders.
The attacks are prompted by accusations against the Asian community of allegedly causing the death of an 11-year-old pupil, Dickens Okello in Kole District. Okello was buried on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the two Asians accused of killing the child in Kole District on November 9, 2018 have been remanded to Soroti prison. They appeared before Lira High Court this morning.
Police fired countless live bullets and rounds of teargas to disperse the rowdy group that had taken over major streets in Lira town.
This prompted Lira district security authorities to call for reinforcement from the Acholpii based 5th Division Army Command in Pader district.
The presence of the army is visible in Tesobar in Adyel Division and Jinja Camp in Ojwina Division among others.
The soldiers also took over Radio Unity, One of the radio stations based in Lira town. Six workers of radio Unity FM were paraded at Lira CPS accused of inciting violence.
Gunshots have continued to be heard within the town centre, some suburbs in Baro-ogole and areas around Cuk Atat market which is dominated by the street children.
Lira DPC Joel Tubanone declined to divulge further information regarding the operation. He however said security agencies are working together to restore sanity within Lira town.
Several businesses owned by the Indians including Letshego financial service, Bidco, Supermarkets among others were attacked by the group.
Major streets like Oyam road, Kwania, Olwol and areas in the suburbs of Jinja Camp, Tesobar in Adyel Division have been taken over by the soldiers. Bullets are still hovering over the place.
This is the second attempt by the street children to attack Asian traders operating various businesses in Lira town. On Monday, Police thwarted attacks on Asian traders by the same group promoting them to close their shops for two days.
