UPDF Deploys For Elections

Mar 07, 2001

THE Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) is prepared to stamp down violence during the presidential elections, army commander Maj Gen Jeje Odongo said in Jinja yesterday.

BY Abubaker Mukose THE Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) is prepared to stamp down violence during the presidential elections, army commander Maj Gen Jeje Odongo said in Jinja yesterday. He said with immediate effect, there will be an overt presence of the army throughout the country until the elections are over. Police chief John Kisembo said, "I don't see anything strange when an army gets prepared at such a time where there is need to enforce law and order among wananchi. "There are scenarios in curbing riots and if need be, the army is welcome." Odongo said the army had been deployed to reinforce civil security organs to maintain law and order. He was addressing UPDF officers and men and the Police at a joint security training axercise on violence at Gadaffi garrison. "There has been a lot of excitement among Ugandans following violent threats by one of the presidential candidates. But the UPDF troops will not merely watch when violence reigns among citizens. We are very prepared to take up any mischief during elections. From now onwards, the public will realise that there is army deployment. Let them expect it and that is what it's going to be like until the election exercise is over," Odongo said. He said the military would only act if unrest was triggered. He warned against any acts of violence, saying the culprits should prepare themselves for the 'ugly heads' of security personnel who are more than willing to protect innocent Ugandans. "I am appealing to all Ugandans to remain calm during the elections. "We promise no scratch to anybody if no violence arises. But if they resort to that, what you have witnessed here is what will take place," he said, referring to the rehearsals. He said the Constitution empowers the army to step in where civil authorities fail to restore order. The Chief of Operations and Training, Col. Benon Biraro, said it was the constitutional role of the UPDF to ensure that the country votes without intimidation. He said if called upon, the army would execute its duties to safeguard democracy without fear or favour. The army involvement in the poll has been criticised by candidates. Ends

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