Reuters AlertNet Lite - Uganda police open fire at forest demo, two hurt

Reuters AlertNet Full site

NEWSDESK

Uganda police open fire at forest demo, two hurt

12 Apr 2007 09:20:56 GMT
Source: Reuters

KAMPALA, April 12 (Reuters) - Ugandan police opened fire with tear gas and live rounds on Thursday and at least two people were hurt as hundreds demonstrated in Kampala against plans to slash a rainforest nature reserve, a protest organiser said.

"People were demonstrating peacefully when there was a misunderstanding with the police. All of a sudden they opened fire with tear gas and live ammunition," Frank Muramuzi, chairman of a Ugandan environmental group, told Reuters by telephone.

"Everyone scattered but two people were seen lying in the road. I don't know if they were killed or injured, but they have been rushed to hospital."

Police officials could not immediately be reached for comment. Commanders had earlier approved the march, which was called to demonstrate against plans to replace thousands of hectares of Mabira Forest with sugarcane plantations.

AlertNet news is provided by

Email this article Send comments

Countries

Small country map
© 2004 Europa Technologies Ltd.

Reset map

• Uganda profile
· View map

MORE >>

NGO latest

• Governments not prepared for ageing, warns HelpAge International
HelpAge Intl - UK

• Fire outbreak in Lacekocot IDP Camp hits 925 Household: AVSI intervention
AVSI

• Christian Aid comment on 5 April Gleneagles event
Christian Aid - UK

• Governments must invest to help poor people adapt to climate change
CARE International - UK

• Beware of hidden strings on EU's offer on trade
Christian Aid - UK

MORE >>

Latest news

• Uganda police open fire at forest demo, two hurt

• FEATURE-Peace brings need for speed to south Sudan

• Uganda govt, rebels make progress at informal talks

• Somali conference postponed to mid-May- Arab League

• Somali conference postponed to mid-May- Arab League

MORE >>

Last updated:Thu Apr 12 09:21:58 2007