Mbarara acid attack victim retains NRM flag, vows never to cease his fight against corruption
Aaron Ainomugisha.
The L C IV councilor representing Nyamityobora west ward in Kakoba Mbarara south division Mbarara city, Amos Katureebe has vowed never to cease his fight against irregularities especially corruption and advocating for desirable service delivery after retaining the National Resistance Movement flag in the 14 September 2020 primary elections.
While speaking to Crooze fm at his home today 17 September 2020, Amos who is optimistic to win in the 2021 general elections revealed that he wanted to retire from politics but people implored him to run again and they voted him overwhelmingly; garnered 1097 votes from all three cells defeating his rival Begumisa Esau who got 717 votes.
‘It was a sympathy vote with people voting for me because of what happened to me as well as my capability and i am so excited. I’ll continue fighting corruption and lobbying for better health, water, education and other services,’ he added.
Amos was poured acid as he approached his home in Kirembe village Nyamityobora Mbarara municipality on November 8, 2017 around 8 pm ahead of his testimony before the commission of inquiry into land matters led by lady justice Catherine Bamugemereire sitting at Ntare school on November 9, 2017.
Mbarara municipal speaker, Bonny Tashobya Karutsya who was facing a motion of censure by councilors including Amos over alleged corruption and breach of council rules was arrested but later cleared of the charges and three suspects were convicted and sentenced over attempted murder.
They included Sergeant Denis Bataringaya (Tashobya’s brother) attached to the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence – CMI Bombo 409 brigade, a 22-year-old crime preventer Emmanuel Mbaine hailing from Katojo Nyakayojo division Mbarara city and Kizito Baryesiima who were all sentenced to 14 years imprisonment by Mbarara Chief Magistrate, Samuel Twakiire on 25th February 2019.
On 4 December 2020, the victim was awarded an anti-corruption medal by President Museveni who pledged to support him and ensure he gets surgery in Singapore so that his eyes are able to see.
Due to COVID-19 lockdown, he hasn’t travelled abroad for advanced treatment but he is in touch with the President and government on this pledge so that he can regain his sight.