Kampala — The business community on Wednesday clashed with police officers along Arua and Nebbi parks on William Street in the city centre after one of their members was thrown down from the fourth floor of Qualicel House.

People wanted to lynch the lodge manager, Ms Justine Masiko and three of her workers who were alleged to have conspired to throw out Mr Muzamiru Musema, a bus driver from the Kampala-Juba stage, on suspicion that he had stolen a bag. Ms Masiko is a sister to UPDF Officer Brig Geoffrey Taban, who owns the lodge. Police have so detained Ms Masiko and three security guards; Mr Alex Kivuna, Mr Ezema Ezako and Mr Robert Odama,

When Daily Monitor contacted Kampala Extra Police Spokesman Simeo Nsubuga, he confirmed that Ms Masiko was in their custody as investigations continue. He, however, declined to give details. But, according to the police source, the incident started at 2:00am on Wednesday at Arua Park on William Street after Ms Masiko alleged that her bag had been stolen.

She allegedly ordered the guards to mount a search for the culprit. It was during the search that Mr Musema was found on the steps of the first floor. "The guards ordered him to go back to the fourth floor. He was quizzed about the allegedly stolen bag. He insisted that he hadn't seen the bag," a source said.

They allegedly beat Mr Musema and tied him up before throwing him over the fourth floor balcony. "The man sustained severe injuries," eyewitnesses said. Shortly after Mr Musema was thrown down however, according to police sources, the bag was discovered in the manager's prayer room.