By Sophan Niwamanya
apearlnews.com
Residents of Gapfurizo village, Gihuranda Parish, Nyarubuye Sub County, Kisoro district, yesterday stormed Nyarubuye Sub County Police Post to demand the release of eight boys who were arrested for playing football at Muturanye Church of Uganda, where they allegedly destroyed church property.
The minors, who are between the ages of 16 and 19 years, were this morning arrested by the Parish Priest, Rev. Jonas Muhabwe, and his lay leader, Amos Ndayisaba. Drama soon broke out when the community members demanded that the children be released from police custody. While meeting with the parents of the arrested children, Rev. Jonas Muhabwe demanded that the children sign that they would never play football at the church grounds, a decision the parents and local leaders refused to accept. Attempts to get a comment from Rev. Jonas Muhabwe and Amos Ndyisaba were futile as they declined to speak to the media. Some of the community members who spoke to Voice of Muhabura expressed their dissatisfaction towards the church leadership, saying it was unfair to arrest the children.
The Muturanye football players also said it is not fair that they were arrested with their fellow players. They demanded justice.
A teacher at Muturanye Community School said the children did not deserve to be arrested, but they behaved badly towards the lay leader, Amos Ndayisaba.
During the community meeting, the Nyarubuye OC Station who preferred anonymity said the matter should have been handled in a more Christian way. He said the boys will be released on bond and the Village Vice Chairman will stand as surety for the children until Wednesday May 18th, 2022, when another meeting will be held.
Gapfurizo Vice chairman and head of security in the village, Steven Bizimana, says the community has been served well by the police that intervened in the matter. He noted that the issues will be further addressed on Wednesday, May 18, 2022.
