A senior clergyman in Fort Portal City has been arrested by the police for allegedly holding a prayer crusade in an attempt to speak to God to ensure that President Yoweri Museveni delivers unfulfilled pledges he had made to the region.
Reverend Kintu Willy Muhanga, the Mayor of Fort Portal City, was arrested on allegations of inciting violence and unlawful assembly.
The Reverend and six other suspects were arrested Wednesday as they moved through some parts of Fort Portal City and Kabarole District holding meetings to “pray for unfulfilled government pledges.”
West Rwenzori police spokesperson Vincent Twesige said they received intelligence information five days ago about a planned demonstration organised by Rev. Muhanga and others who were mobilising 10,000 people to march across Fort Portal City crusading against unfulfilled pledges by President Museveni.
Among the pending pledges by President Museveni that the protesters want fulfilled are the construction of Kijura Road, the establishment of an industrial park at Kyembogo, the reconstruction of Buhinga Stadium, and the construction of Saaka and Kazingo security roads.
In 2012, President Museveni pledged to pave the 30 km Fort Portal–Kijura Road.
In 2013, Mr. Museveni reiterated the promise while meeting district leaders from the Rwenzori Region at his country home in Rwakitura.
In 2021, the same road appeared in the manifesto of the ruling NRM party, but until March 30, the road has only been under maintenance by Unra, although it becomes terrible on a rainy day.
Under the Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) programme, Ugandan authorities commissioned the intended Kabarole Agro-Industrial Park in 2018.
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