The Police in Amuria district have arrested a 39-year-old man for allegedly slapping Minister of State for Works and Transport, Musa Ecweru during a Sunday mass at St. Michael Catholic Church.
According to eyewitnesses, Acweru was attending the service in his capacity as the Amuria County MP when he was slapped by Michael Okurut who is now in Police custody.
Okurut reportedly entered the church building and walked to the altar where he performed the sign of the cross before slapping the Minister who was busy giving a speech.
“He came quietly and even performed the sign of the cross. I thought he would locate himself a seat like other members of the congregation were doing but he instead walked to the minister and whispered something before he slapped the minister hard on the ear,” an eyewitness who preferred to remain anonymous said.
“He attempted to slap the minister for the second time but he blocked his hand before his escorts who were waiting from outside rushed into the church and subdued him (Okuru).” The source added
According to Oscar Ageca, the acting police spokesperson for East Kyoga, Okurut is currently being held at Wera police station.
“A case of assault was opened at Wera Police station where statements were recorded and the suspect is detained as inquiries and investigation into the matter is expedited,” Ageca said.
While speaking about the incident, Ecweru claimed that the man who slapped him is mentally ill.
“We have established his background information. We have confirmed that he was a mad man. His madness attacks him occasionally and when he suffers he is wild and violent,” Ecweru said.
