FDC deletes tweet insinuating Lokech’s death

The opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has deleted a tweet in which they implied that the existing administration was to blame for the death of Deputy Inspector General of Police Maj Gen Paul Lokech.

Following Gen Lokech’s death yesterday, the FDC issued a statement on Twitter claiming that the former Amisom leader “joins thousands of others who have been slain and murdered by this tyranny…”

The tweet drew backlash, with one part chastising them for irresponsible behavior.

FDC clarified that they did not imply that Gen Lokech was assassinated by the dictatorship, but rather that he was one of many who had perished at the hands of the state. “We are not implying or confirming that Maj Paul was assassinated. He will join thousands of our people who have been slaughtered and killed by this tyranny if he dies. Let’s make sure the facts are correct!!!”

The clarification did not make things better; instead, it outraged Twitter users, who demanded that the party apologize and erase the tweet.

Noah Ssenabulya wrote, “Stop politicizing everything men, mupapanyo nebigambo, you are embarrassing the party leadership and our Dr Besigye, stop it.”

“So he doesn’t count among your people who died for reasons other than being ‘dead or murdered,’ as you claim? We haven’t known you for timidity, so come out and say whatever you want about him, especially since you don’t seem to respect the dead!” Obita, Thomas.

Frank Tumusiime says, “Nonsense.”

The tweet has been removed from the timeline by Sunday morning.

Lokech died at his home on Saturday morning, according to a UPDF statement.

The Director of Medical Services, Dr Moses Byaruhanga, has been ordered by the IGP Martin Okoth Ochola to conduct a post-mortem to determine the cause of death.

Lokech, also known as the Lion of Mogadishu, was named Deputy IGP on December 16th of last year, following a two-year assignment from the Commander in Chief in South Sudan.