By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
The former Mmeber of Parliament for Aruu County, in Pader district, Hon. Odonga Otto and his group of vigilantes is being hunted for by police to answer charges of aggravated robbery and torture.
According to Fred Enanga, the Police Spokesperson, Odonga Otto together with his vigilantes while armed with pangas and sticks viciously beat up 3 charcoal dealers in one of the homesteads in Laorogali village, Atanga sub-county, in Pader district on the 30.04.2023 at around 3:30pm.
Enanga in a press statement dated 2nd May, 2023 identified the 3 victims as; Ssemanda Charles, Wagwana Yusuf and Takafa Erisata who had loaded 12 bags of charcoal in their Fuso truck registration number UBA 600B.
“The Otto group assaulted them using sticks and pangas, and allegedly robbed cash 1,097,700/= (One million ninety seven thousand, seven hundred shillings) only from Ssemanda Charles,” Enanga says.
He added that group vandalised the Fuso truck and stole two motor vehicle batteries, a motor vehicle radio, woofer, motor vehicle key and tarpline. The attackers further damaged the wind screen, the fuel tank and tyres of the Fuso truck.
The victims were later released and they reported the matter at Atanga police station.
“A serious manhunt for the Hon. Odonga Otto and all those who participated in the torture by caning and beating is active and ongoing,” Enanga said.
The same group had earlier attacked a one Olara Charles Okello, after he was found buying firewood while in his motor vehicle registration number UAP 516D, along Lapul- Atanga road in Atanga sub-county.
The attackers robbed their phones and other belongings. They reported the matter at Pajule police station.
“Although the Hon. Odonga Otto and his vigilantes, claim they are an advocacy group, that is enforcing a ban on charcoal commercial trade in Acholi Sub-region, their level of physical interaction is not only reckless and dangerous, but can lead to hate crimes in society,” adds Enanga.
Enanga adds that,” We wish to remind the public that torture, through the use of corporal punishment or any other form of physical assault, are punishable by law. We therefore, urge the former law maker to avoid taking the law in his hands and misleading other members of the public, into acts of lawlessness and impunity.”
Meanwhile, the former MP denies having been in Pader on the day quoted by police saying he was in Kampala.
“Just seen a tweet@PoliceUg that I am wanted for alleged acts that contravene the law. Let the records be straight the last two weeks and on the days of the alleged offences I have been in Kampala. We will lawfully win the fight for our environment . I will appear voluntarily,” Otto tweeted three hours ago.
