By Jeff Andrew Lule

Ex-Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party president Col Kizza Besigye has warned government that the “rampant militias” which have continued to cause havoc among the opposition politicians and “innocent Ugandans” might destabilize the peace of the country in the coming future.

Addressing journalists at a press conference by pressure group For God and My Country (4GC) at their offices in Nakasero, Besigye said the vicious attacks by these groups might become a problem to government in future.

He cited the Kiboko Squad and stone-wielding youth who have been involved in destabilizing opposition activities in the presence of police.

“Somalia is facing a problem of militias who also resulted from the similar groups like those in Uganda, while Congo has warlords everywhere fighting for power.”

He said it is the duty of Police to enforce law and order among the citizens of the country according to the constitution.

Besigye condemned the Kawempe actions where some group of youth hit his car and beat up other elected area opposition leaders who had turned up for the rally.

“We managed to identify these people and we have their photos committing these acts in the presence of some police chief. It is very unfortunate that everything happened in the presence of the area police chief, Siraje Bakaleke and nothing was done,” he noted.

If government is not careful, he warned, Uganda might end up into another failed state.

“Militarization of politics is dangerous. We have our army and police force who can contain the situation without use of these unconstitutional groups,” he added.

He also condemned the actions of policemen who violate people’s rights, saying they are only mandated to enforce law and order.

Besigye also called on the Police Chief, Kale Kayihura to come out and clarify to Ugandans on allegations that there was a new rebel group in the country because, he said, it might bring about unrest.

“As concerned Ugandans, we are confused because the minister of defense denied presence of any rebel group – which is a contradicting statement,” said the former army man.

The coordinator of 4GC, Mathias Mpuuga said following the incident in Kawempe, they resolved to institute criminal charges against police bosses, Bakaleka (Kawempe), Michael Mugabi ( Kampala North RPC), Julius Gobolo (Old Kampala DPC) and Sam Omala (in-charge operations) over abuse of office and violation of human rights.

“We have got evidence and witnesses on this matter that these police chiefs are behind these ‘militias’ who keep on disrupting our activities,” said Mpuuga.

“We are also going to petition the parliamentary committee on human rights and the Human Rights Commission over the continued abuse of human rights.”