Prime
Family of injured student demands Shs1 billion from KCCA
Ms Nankya (L) before she was shot. Right is Ms Nankya while in hospital.
The family of Ms Lowena Rachael Nankya, a Senior Six student of Lugazi Mixed School, who was hit by a rubber bullet on the mouth on Tuesday, is demanding about Shs1 billion compensation from the KCCA and police.
Ms Nankya was shot by a trigger-happy police officer during a joint operation with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) law enforcement officers against street vendors near the Old Taxi Park.
The student and her mother were caught up in the chaos as vendors resisted eviction from the illegal market.
Her mother sustained a broken arm.
Medical reports show that Ms Nankya lost 7 teeth, sustained a split jaw and her nerves were damaged.
She was discharged from Mulago National Referral Hospital on Friday for fear of exposing her to infections. Medical workers advised her to receive treatment from the hospital while commuting from home.
However, Ms Nankya’s family says that her condition hasn’t improved.
Her aunt, Ms Yvonne Kasawuli, said her niece is traumatised and needs specialised medical attention, which isn’t available at Mulago Hospital.
Ms Kasawuli said that the family cannot afford bills associated with specialised medical attention.
Mr Allan Mulindwa, a family lawyer, said that they have written to the Inspector General of Police, Mr Martin Okoth Ochola and Mr Andrew Kitaka, the KCCA executive director, to raise Shs1 billion in compensation to the two victims.
Mr Mulindwa said they are determined to legally pursue police and KCCA, should they fail to comply.
KCCA Spokesman, Mr Peter Kauju said “they are still investigating the matter” and no compensation can be done before a final report is presented.
He however, said that they reached out to Ms Nankya’s family to clear some medical expenses.
The deputy spokesman of the Kampala Metropolitan Police, Mr Patrick Onyango told journalists on Wednesday that four police officers attached to KCCA were suspended over the shooting.
