UPC condemns army deployment to quell riots

The Uganda People's Congress (UPC) has faulted government on deploying the army to quell riots in the city centre and other parts of the country.

Addressing journalists during the weekly party press conference at Uganda House in Kampala on Wednesday, the party president, Jimmy Akena, said: "The training of the army is not about quelling riots. It is the work of the Police which is trained to subdue such situations."

On Monday, the military and Police fired tear gas in Kampala and other parts of the country to disperse demonstrators.

The protesters who demanded that Kyadondo East MP, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and the other detained legislators be freed, denounced the alleged beatings of the MPs and the other suspects arrested during the violence that erupted during campaigns for Arua Municipality by-elections.

It was after a scuffle broke out between security and Kassiano Wadri's supporters. Kyagulanyi's driver Yasin Kawuma was shot dead.

The army made an apology over its soldiers who were filmed beating up journalists who were covering the demonstrations.

A statement by army spokesperson, Brig. Richard Karemire, described the soldiers' conduct as "unprofessional" adding that they would be arrested.

"It was wrong for the army to be everywhere, in Parliament and on the streets," Akena said.

He asked for thorough investigations into the Arua violence.

"We need adequate explanation on how Bobi Wine's driver lost his life and several other issues which remain unexplained," Akena said. 

A probe according to the party would also help to expose the beatings and other forms of torture that the arrested MPs allegedly incurred.

UPC demanded that the army apologise to all MPs and all Ugandans allegedly tortured during the Arua violence and Monday's protests. Akena also said that what happened during and after the Arua by-election exposed the extent of how fragile democracy remained in the country.

"The death of Bobi Wine's driver, Yasin Kawuma by a bullet, injured people and the arrested legislators all make the situation difficult and leads to escalation of tension," Akena explained.

"Much as we are now in a multi-party set up since 2006, there is a lot that needs to be done to help the country forge ahead. The political parties need to grow and develop at the pace that reflects Uganda at 56. This should equally extend to institutions that consolidate national building.

"This should involve respecting the constitution, following the rule of law properly and extending an olive branch to the arrested legislators and other people," he added.