The Police have Monday morning been involved in running battles with Tooro Kingdom loyalists protesting over President Yoweri Museveni remarks on their King, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV.
As early as 9:00am, the Tooro Kingdom loyalists who are mostly the youth stormed Fort Portal town wearing black in protest. They have declared the day a black Monday.
These youth demand President Museveni to apologise to their King for calling him a “boy”.
President Museveni told media at his country home in Rwakitura last Wednesday that if the King of Tooro wants to fast, it would be good for him to reduce on his weight.
“If this boy of Tooro has decided to fast, it will help remain fit and reduce on his weight. But I advise him to turn to the track of freedom fighters who brought this freedom and restored cultural institutions,” Museven said.
However, the remarks have now woken up Tooro according to their Prime Minister, Rt. Kaliba Steven. The people of Tooro are now demanding for a complete withdrawal of President’s words; ‘akavubuka ke Tooro’ and ‘this boy of Tooro’ as used in reference to Omukama.
They want an apology from the president to his majesty the king and people of Tooro “for such disrespectful language towards our King.”
Since morning, the Tooro youth have been demonstrating. They say as as much as their King is young, the President should “respect” him.
The Police have fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrators and arrested four people.
KFM Radio correspondent in Fort Portal reports that the Police are heavily deployed in the town center and most people have closed the shops.
Meanwhile, the area DPC Geoffrey Kahebwa says he would have allowed the protest so long as the youth had sought permission before protesting.
