Key FDC and DP leaders have admitted to forming militia youth squads to defend their political parties’ interests during the 2011 campaigns and elections. FDC is putting together 400 veterans and youth countrywide, to counteract the Kiboko Squad that has, in the past, meted out violence to opposition demonstrators and rioters.

In reaction, Juma Ssemakula, the commander of Kampala’s infamous Kiboko Squad, said his group was ready to fight the parties’ youth brigades. The Uganda Constitution of 1995, Chapter 12, Article 4 expressly prohibits the formation of militia groups. “No person shall raise an armed force except in accordance with the Constitution.”

Though the Police have in the past, disassociated themselves from the Kiboko Squad, severe punitive measures need to be taken. The leaders of the militia groups have publicly owned up; they should, therefore, be brought to book before they drive Uganda into anarchy.

Let us avoid a repeat of what happened next door in Kenya, when, during the 2006 Presidential elections vigilante groups belonging to different parties killed more than 1,000 people and displaced over 200,000 more. The violence took ethnic dimensions, initially targeting President Mwai Kibaki’s tribe, the Kikuyu. Later the Mungiki group, made up mostly of Kikuyu youth, started killing other tribes. The resultant economic paralysis injured not only Kenya, but paralysed the whole region too.

Uganda is not a failed state and our Constitution guarantees protection to all citizens irrespective of tribe, religion and political affiliation. So there is no need for the individual militia groups. Confrontation between members of the various brigades would lead to unnecessary bloodshed. The Police should ensure equality in security services provided during the campaigns and elections.

The political parties, on their part, should abide by the laws of the land and follow security guidelines or get the necessary clearance before organising demonstrations. Uganda is our posterity and it is every ones’ responsibility not to plunge her into anarchy again.