The Minister for Internal Affairs, Gen (rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, has warned police chiefs to stop beating opposition leaders and supporters during their political mobilization tours.
Otafiire made the comments on Tuesday as the new Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba, and his Deputy, James Ocaya, officially assumed their respective offices during a ceremony held at the police headquarters in Naguru.
The minister said that the police should not be involved in breaking the law.
“Do not beat opposition leaders during their political demonstrations because by doing so you will be breaking the laws,” said Gen Otafiire, emphasizing that the police should only deal with them within the law.
“Demonstrations are provided for in the Constitution, and you should not deny them their rights but guide them within the law. Tell them what they’re supposed to do instead of beating them,” he said.
Just last week, the police stopped NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, from holding several party mobilization activities, citing the party’s failure to follow guidelines.
However, on Monday, the police held a meeting with NUP leaders led by Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi and party Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya and agreed on several issues, which included not holding processions/rallies near schools, hospitals, and markets.
NUP will today resume its mobilization tours, starting in Mukono before heading to Mityana and Masaka.
