The DC reported that 108 people
have been arrested in connection with the protests, which disrupted local
activities for over five hours. Photo: Courtesy
By
Adonis Byemelwa
Simiyu:
Protests erupted in Lamadi, Simiyu, early on August 21, 2024, as residents
voiced outrage over the police’s handling of child abductions in the area.
Demonstrators were angered by the authorities' lack of response to the
disappearances and deaths of several children.
Reports
have emerged suggesting that multiple fatalities occurred when police used live
ammunition to disperse the crowd in Busega. However, Busega District
Commissioner Faiza Salim has denied any deaths, stating that no such reports
have been received during her four-month tenure. She added that no reports of
missing children have been reported to her office.
Faiza
Salim reported that 108 people have been arrested in connection with the
protests, which disrupted local activities for over five hours. The protests
escalated with stones thrown at officials, attempts to burn down the police
station, and significant property damage. In response, the police deployed tear
gas and reinforcements from the regional headquarters to regain control.
“You
saw the damage: stones were thrown at me and other officials, and there was an
attempt to burn the police station. We had to use tear gas because roads were
blocked, infrastructure was destroyed, and shops were vandalized. As
authorities, we cannot tolerate this,” Salim said.
While
videos of injured protesters and claims of fatalities circulate online, Faiza
Salim maintains that only minor injuries have been reported. She promised a
comprehensive report after the situation was fully assessed.
Mashimba
Songoma, Chairman of Makanisani Hamlet, criticized the lack of response from
local officials. “Residents have reported missing children to the police and
district authorities, but no action has been taken. That’s why the protests
happened—people need answers about these disappearances,” he said.
A
Lamadi resident, who wished to remain anonymous, shared their frustration with
the inadequate police response to missing children. “Today, I received a letter
from my child’s school advising me to ensure my child’s safety personally.
Every few days, a child goes missing, and the police offer no solutions. This
is unacceptable,” the resident stated.
Concerns
about child safety have been mounting nationwide due to a rise in
disappearances and murders, heightening fears among residents across the
country.
