Rugunda condemns thuggery
Dec 08, 2003
Internal affairs minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda has condemned acts of violence in which thugs beat up Makindye East MP Michael Mabikke and scores of Uganda Young Democrats (UYD) members.
By Darious Magara and Hannigton Mbabazi
Internal affairs minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda has condemned acts of violence in which thugs beat up Makindye East MP Michael Mabikke and scores of Uganda Young Democrats (UYD) members.
Addressing a press conference at his residence in Bugongi, Kabale on Monday, Rugunda condemned acts of violence anywhere in the country and political anarchy at this time of political transition, adding that the rule of law must prevail.
He said the Police in Kabale were investigating both the thugs and the UYD for conducting an illegal meeting and would punish perpetrators of violence. Mabikke with five UYD leaders and three Norwegians were conducting a workshop at Victoria Inn when they were attacked by thugs.
They were attacked by over 15 club-wielding assailants as Mabikke addressed over 70 youth at the inn. Several people were injured and were rushed to clinics in Kabale.
The Inn lost property worth millions of shilling during the attack, hotel officials said.
Rugunda said “The Government will deal with any body who violates peace and tranquillity in the country and will ensure that the political transition is orderly and peaceful.â€
He, however, said much as different political forces were at liberty to consult, that should be within the law.
Commenting on the Constitution Review Commission, Rugunda said the Government would respect its findings.
Meanwhile, the critically injured UYD youth leaders, Didas Mwebaze and Vincent Byamukama, are improving at Dr. Muhunde’s clinic.
Darius Magara adds that on the Bakiga-Banyoro conflict, Rugunda called upon the Bakiga to be conscious of the Banyoro.
He said the Banyoro had a sensitive history considering their role in fighting colonialism which he said had negatively impacted on them and from which they had not recovered.
He lashed at politicians who are politicising the issue and said the Government had secured sh120m to resettle the Bakiga.
Internal affairs minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda has condemned acts of violence in which thugs beat up Makindye East MP Michael Mabikke and scores of Uganda Young Democrats (UYD) members.
Addressing a press conference at his residence in Bugongi, Kabale on Monday, Rugunda condemned acts of violence anywhere in the country and political anarchy at this time of political transition, adding that the rule of law must prevail.
He said the Police in Kabale were investigating both the thugs and the UYD for conducting an illegal meeting and would punish perpetrators of violence. Mabikke with five UYD leaders and three Norwegians were conducting a workshop at Victoria Inn when they were attacked by thugs.
They were attacked by over 15 club-wielding assailants as Mabikke addressed over 70 youth at the inn. Several people were injured and were rushed to clinics in Kabale.
The Inn lost property worth millions of shilling during the attack, hotel officials said.
Rugunda said “The Government will deal with any body who violates peace and tranquillity in the country and will ensure that the political transition is orderly and peaceful.â€
He, however, said much as different political forces were at liberty to consult, that should be within the law.
Commenting on the Constitution Review Commission, Rugunda said the Government would respect its findings.
Meanwhile, the critically injured UYD youth leaders, Didas Mwebaze and Vincent Byamukama, are improving at Dr. Muhunde’s clinic.
Darius Magara adds that on the Bakiga-Banyoro conflict, Rugunda called upon the Bakiga to be conscious of the Banyoro.
He said the Banyoro had a sensitive history considering their role in fighting colonialism which he said had negatively impacted on them and from which they had not recovered.
He lashed at politicians who are politicising the issue and said the Government had secured sh120m to resettle the Bakiga.