● NBS tv boss releases another Statement
● Ofwono Opondo to be grilled for indiscipline
STORY BY:
MOSES MUGALULA
KAMPALA
KAMPALA City Lord mayor Counsel Erias Lukwago has finally spoken out about what transpired in yesterday’s aborted Frontline show at NBS TV when Executive Director Media Centre Mr. Ofwono Opondo who doubles as Government spokesperson attacked him and allegedly vowed to shoot FDC Vice President Buganda region.
A statement released by Lord mayor Lukwago says, last night, he happened to be a Panelist at the NBS TV Talkshow that runs from 10:00pm to midnight.
“The debate was about the sham Soroti City East Member of Parliament By-election. Midway the debate, hell broke loose when the Government Spokesperson, who is a regular Panelist (Frontliner) on the show, ran berserk and started throwing tantrums.” Reads Lukwago’s statement.
Lord mayor said, out of the blue, Ofwono Opondo sprung up, charged at him and threatened to evict him from the studios.
Opondo pushed his hand into the pocket and around his waist, in a manner that suggested he wanted to draw a pistol at him.
“I dared him to shoot at me. He instead pounced on my neck and attempted to strangle me. I did not fight back but instead struggled to wriggle out of his grip. He then punched me in the chest and grabbed both collars of my jacket while huffing and puffing like a cobra.” Reads Lukwago’s statement.
He says, the Moderator, Charles Mwangushya moved in to restrain him but to no avail. He was joined by a Co-Panelist, the Hon. Winnie Kiiza, former Leader of Opposition but the now wild Opondo would not relent as he continued to maul Lukwago, while battering and kicking him in the stomach.
Being a civilized and mindful of the law of unintended consequences, which could turn out to be catastrophic, Lord mayor chose not to engage in a fist fight. He instead concentrated on shielding my face with both palms.
It was at this moment that another Panelist, the Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister for ICT and National Guidance, who had all along been witnessing the melodrama, joined the duo to prevail over a rampaging Opondo.
The Talkshow ended prematurely and Opondo was shouting at the top of his voice that he was going to finish Lord mayor off in the corridors of NBS TV or outside the building. He made frantic calls to people Lord mayor did not understand, requesting for ‘reinforcement.’
The DPC, Kira Road Police Station, Ssebuyungo, together with the Commander Operations, Aden Muzawula, entered with several police personnel. They made arrangements with Hon. Baryomunsi to escort Lukwago back home.
Today morning, Lukwago went to Kira Road Police Station and opened up a Criminal Case before the O.C C.I.D and other Police Officers. He also moved to NBS and met with the Management to secure the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage of the said ugly scene but his efforts are yet to yield positive results.
“In my language, we have an old adage that; “Olaba nkaabira mubikire, naye ate ankutukidde mungalo…!!! I will stop at nothing in search for Justice. In addition to the aforesaid criminal proceedings, civil action will also be pursued in Courts of Law in an effort to deal with impunity in our country.” Reads Statement signed by Lord mayor Ericsson Lukwago.
In another statement released by Desire Derekford Mugumisa, Head of Corporate Affairs at NBS, management condemned this unfortunate incident.
“The incident violates our Editorial policy and the Minimum Broadcasting Standards. We once again apologize to our esteemed viewers for having had to experience that content and ending the show prematurely.” Reads Statement from NBS boss.
He said, their teams are further investigating the matter and we shall take action to find amicable resolution from the findings.
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