Soldier’s fingers cut off as panga-wielding men attack UPDF engineering brigade at Nambole
Col. Akiiki further explained that notice of vacating the premises of the stadium were sent out to encroachers several times by concerned authorities.
Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) has beefed up security around Nambole Stadium following an attack on their engineering brigade which is carrying out renovations at the stadium.
According to a statement released by the deputy spokesperson of UPDF, Col. Deo Akiiki, the attack happened between 0900hrs and 1200hrs. The attack was led by one Kawooya Godfrey, a local leader, and his colleague identified as Masada of Katooke Zone.
Col. Akiiki said the two led a group of defiant encroachers on government land. He said they were carrying with them machetes, stones, bows and arrows. They attacked thr UPDF engineering brigade soldiers surveying part of the land so as to lay culverts and block manholes.
“The security detail protecting the site and workers shot three warning shots to disperse Kawooya’s gang but all in vain,” Col. Akiiki said.
Chaos ensued and three of our soldiers were injured including Private Masereka Jackson whose fingers were cut by a panga wielding member of gang,” he noted.
Col. Akiiki further explained that notice of vacating the premises of the stadium were sent out to encroachers several times by concerned authorities, and a deadline of 15th February 2023 was issued.
He noted that upon expire, a company known as Flight Auctioneers was hired to forcefully evict the said defiant encroachers.
It should be noted that last year, government kicked off the renovation of Mandela National Stadium – Nambole with the construction of the perimeter wall as required by Confederation of African Football.
The construction of the perimeter wall is still underway as part of the first phase of the stadium’s renovation.
The renovation works will also cover the dressing rooms, playing surface, running track, installation of desks and air conditioners in the media and VIP sections.
The seats in the general public stands and upgrading floodlights as directed by CAF will also be done.
By time of filling this story UPDF hadn’t identified th number of civilians injured. Police was investigating the incident so as to bring the culprits to book.
