After an incident in which former Minister of Works Mr Abraham James Byandala allegedly punched TV journalist Judith Naluggwa in the lower abdomen at the Anti-Corruption Court yesterday, some Ugandans have taken to social media urging the embattled minister to apologise and resign.
Most of Facebook users on the Ugandans at Heart platform have termed Mr. Byandala’s reported actions as shameful and that they symbolise the rot in the Ugandan society.
A one Pamela Ankunda, wrote: “If this video is what it is and it looks like it is, do the only honourable thing left: Apologise and Resign.”
Former Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) boss Maggie Kigozi termed Byandala’s actions as ‘intolerable behaviour’ and wished the victim, Nalugwa a quick recovery.
“If Byandala who is learned and holds a high post can punch a woman, then what do ordinary men do?” wondered Kawuma Mirundi on his page.
Some, however, called for objectivity from those criticising Byandala’s actions, saying the minister had been put under pressure.
“The journalist was punched for putting the camera in Byandala’s face, let’s be objective and look at both sides of the coin,” JB Kalyango wrote.
Mr Byandala, the Minister without Portfolio in the President’s Office, is currently facing corruption charges, with Prosecution alleging that while serving as works minister, he was involved in swindling funds meant for the construction of the now controversial Mukono-Katosi road, where government lost Shs 24 billion in shoddy deals.
Meanwhile, Nalugwa, a Bukedde TV Reporter has reported a case of assault to Jinja Road Police Station, where a file has been opened against the embattled minister.
