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Bobi Wine, the president of Uganda’s opposition party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), is mourning the loss of Lochoto Ambrose Machete, who served as the Chairperson of the NUP’s mobilisation team in Kaabong District. Lochoto was allegedly shot dead by Ugandan security operatives on the evening of Saturday 8th March 2024, as he returned from watching a football game.
Eyewitnesses recount the harrowing details, indicating that the assailants pursued Lochoto and fatally shot him at close range before delivering his body to the mortuary. Shockingly, Bobi Wine claims authorities are attempting to obfuscate the incident by suggesting that Lochoto was a Turkana warrior killed in an ambush, a claim vehemently denied by NUP.
| Victim | Lochoto Ambrose Machete |
|---|---|
| Position | Chairperson of NUP’s mobilisation team in Kaabong District |
| Circumstances | Shot dead by Ugandan security operatives |
| Incident | Occurred while returning from watching a football game |
| Witnesses | Onlookers attest to close-range shooting |
| Handling of Body | Body delivered to the mortuary |
| Official Response | Authorities suggest victim was a Turkana warrior killed in an ambush |
The incident sheds light on the precarious situation faced by NUP supporters and mobilisers nationwide, particularly in Northern Uganda. Here, Regional District Commissioners (RDCs), District Internal Security Officers (DISOs), Government Internal Security Officers (GISOs), and District Police Commanders (DPCs) allegedly exert relentless efforts to instill fear among the populace.
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Since the contentious 2021 election, reports of violence against NUP members have surged in West Nile, Lango, Acholi, and Karamoja regions. The NUP has unequivocally condemned what it considers cowardly acts and called for justice for Lochoto Ambrose Machete.
In the wake of Lochoto’s tragic death, the NUP mourns the loss of a dedicated member and vocal advocate for change. Lochoto’s commitment to the party’s ideals and his tireless efforts in mobilising support will be sorely missed, according to the post on X. The NUP reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful political participation and urged the Ugandan government to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.
David Lewis Rubongoya, Party Secretary, expressed profound sadness upon learning of the murder of Lochoto Ambrose, also known as Machete, the Mobilization Head for Kaabong District in the Karamoja Sub-region. Reports from the ground indicate that Lochoto had received numerous threats due to his steadfast character. He was reportedly pursued by a patrol vehicle after the football match and shot dead at close range. Rubongoya mourned the loss of a dedicated comrade who consistently wore the #PeoplePower attire and emphasized the urgent need for justice in the face of such heinous crimes.
As investigations into Lochoto’s death unfold, the NUP remains vigilant in monitoring the situation and advocating for accountability. The party called on the international community to condemn such acts of violence and pressure the Ugandan government to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
Lochoto Ambrose Machete, the Chairperson of our mobilisation team in Kaabong District, was last evening shot dead by Ugandan security operatives as he returned from watching a football game. Onlookers say Lochoto’s killers pursued and shot him dead at close range, and then… pic.twitter.com/yM7cKnFfhA
— BOBI WINE (@HEBobiwine) March 10, 2024
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