The grade one magistrate court in Buyende district has remanded two men for allegedly damaging an ambulance which was donated to Kidera Health Centre in Buyende by the Minister for Presidency Milly Babalanda.
The young men, Sande Denis Salongo and Mpaulo Awali, have been remanded to Buyende government prison by His Worship Kauka Paul on Monday 7th April, 2025 for malicious damage.
The two were arrested on Thursday 3rd April 2025. They have been under police custody at Buyende Central Police since.
Court remanded the two after they failed to secure bail. They return to court tomorrow, 8th April 2025 for bail application.
Residents in Buyende believe the arrests are politically motivated. Many are pointing a finger at Milly Babalanda for influencing the arrest.
Noor Namatovu, a resident in Buyende said the actions of the minister are a total turn off.
Former Member of Parliament for Budiope West, Robert Musoke, castigated ‘political leaders who think they can force voters to love them.’
“How can we trust such people with a big office if this is how they are treating people in the area,” Musoke wondered.
The minister, born in Kamuli district, has expressed interest to contest for the post of MP for Budiope West in Buyende district. The post is currently being occupied by Kyoto Ibrahim.
She has, however, encountered riotous resistance from some members of the constituency especially the youths.
When her team delivered the ambulance, it is alleged that Sande and Awali led a group of youths to trap the motor with nails that deflated it’s tyres. Police moved in swiftly and arrested the two.
