News reaching our platform confirms that at least 17 sugarcane workers from the Kakira Jinja District have been arrested and detained following a violent strike by Madhavan sugarcane employees at the Karatine camp, which escalated into a riot, causing significant property damage on Friday, April 5.
However, the properties destroyed were water tanks, motorcycles, bicycles, savings boxes, tables, and crops.
The employees, armed with machetes, staged a violent strike that quickly turned into a riot, and they became a threat to anyone who came their way.
In response, the RPC Kiira region’s SSP Charles Nsaba deployed a solid crowd control team to Kakira, which was able to restore public order in Kakira Town Council, Jinja District, within minutes.
Kiira Regional Spokesperson SP James Mubi, when contacted about the strike, stated that a peaceful conflict resolution process involving all stakeholders had commenced to fully address the workers’ concerns and grievances.
Kiira Regional Police spokesperson, SP James Mubi confirms the arrests
In conclusion, the arrested suspects face charges of malicious damage, assault, and taking part in an unlawful demonstration. However, more suspects are expected to be arrested on similar charges.
Enock Katamba is a Ugandan Journalist and Founder of Uncovered UG, an independent digital news platform covering Uganda and international developments. He reports on politics, national affairs, entertainment, sports, business, education and other stories of public interest.