PARLIAMENT yesterday condemned acts of violence, racism and hooliganism exhibited during last week’s demonstration against the planned giveaway of Mabira Forest to the Sugar Corporation of Uganda Limited (SCOUL).
After a heated debate, the House presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Rebecca Kadaga, passed a motion moved by Mary Karooro Okurut, demanding that the Government brings to book the perpetrators of the murder, arson and violence.
Hussein Kyanjo (Makindye West) and Beatrice Anywar Atim (Woman Kitgum) and 24 others were yesterday charged over the demonstration in which three people, including an Asian, Devang Rawal, were killed.
The MPs urged all Ugandans to use peaceful means to express their concerns.
The Government was called upon to ensure maximum security to all people living in Uganda.
Earlier, the internal affairs minister, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, had told Parliament that some of the demonstration organisers had ill motives.
Presenting a detailed account of what happened on Thursday, Rugunda argued that the criminals joined the demonstration and caused havoc in the city, leading to loss of lives and property.
The minister pointed out that the Police had beefed up security in the city.
In the statement, Rugunda gave a detailed account of what took place during the demonstration.
Reacting to the minister’s statement, the MPs condemned the violence but applauded the purpose of the demonstration.
Sanjay Tanna said it was unfortunate that the media had focused on the death of one Asian and portrayed Uganda as a racist country.
He said two Ugandans lost their lives and many others were injured or lost property. He explained that Rawal’s death came from a sequence of events, which included an attempt by some Asians to drive through the demonstrators.
According to Susan Nampijja, the Government and the Police are to blame for the violence. “The Police failed to follow the demonstrators.”
She asked the Government to explain the whereabouts of her father, Ken Lukyamuzi, the president of the Conservative Party.
Hassan Fungaroo said all forms of violence should be condemned. He noted that armed men in civilian clothes were allegedly beating up people found in groups.
Henry Banyenzaki backed Fungaroo, saying he had reported the matter to Rugunda.
Wilfred Kajeke said the demonstration was not for the opposition but it was intended to highlight a the national concern protect the environment.
Geoffrey Ekanya and Betty Amongi accused the Mehta Group which owns SCOUL of being arrogant and poorly managing the sugar business.
Amongi lamented that Mehta was insensitive to the public’s demands of them not taking part of the forest.
Ekanya claimed the group was involved in insider trading within their companies and their companies were not profitable.
By press time, debate was still going on in the House.
