Kayihura warns opposition youth on forming militia
Jul 05, 2010
THE Inspector General of Police (IGP), Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, has warned the Democratic Party (DP) youth against forming a militia group to allegedly counter the Kiboko Squad.
By Eddie Ssejjoba
and James Kabengwa
THE Inspector General of Police (IGP), Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, has warned the Democratic Party (DP) youth against forming a militia group to allegedly counter the Kiboko Squad.
Kayihura said the Police had enough capacity to handle existing situations and did not need militia groups formed by any political party.
He was on Friday addressing youth leaders from different political parties at the Pan-Africa Freedom Square in Kampala in a campaign against political violence during next year’s elections.
The warning came after a group of youth belonging to DP announced the formation of a “Defence Force†to counter the activities of the Kiboko Squad.
The group is headed by the DP youth leader, Moses Bigirwa.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Bigirwa said DP formed the force to counter the squad comprised of stick-weilding men who have destabilised many opposition rallies in Kampala.
But party spokesman Kenneth Kakande on Friday distanced the party from the group, describing it as unconstitutional.
“We can’t base our politics on militias. It’s unconstitutional. DP is a law-abiding party that cannot form torturous groups,†Kakande said.
Kayihura said the Police were investigating the squad’s actions and would prosecute its members.
“We cannot tolerate any Kiboko Squad-like groups. I’m cautioning whoever is planning this group that we shall deal with them,†he said.
The IGP also regretted what happened to FDC president Col. Kizza Besigye and his group when they were recently attacked by the squad.
and James Kabengwa
THE Inspector General of Police (IGP), Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, has warned the Democratic Party (DP) youth against forming a militia group to allegedly counter the Kiboko Squad.
Kayihura said the Police had enough capacity to handle existing situations and did not need militia groups formed by any political party.
He was on Friday addressing youth leaders from different political parties at the Pan-Africa Freedom Square in Kampala in a campaign against political violence during next year’s elections.
The warning came after a group of youth belonging to DP announced the formation of a “Defence Force†to counter the activities of the Kiboko Squad.
The group is headed by the DP youth leader, Moses Bigirwa.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Bigirwa said DP formed the force to counter the squad comprised of stick-weilding men who have destabilised many opposition rallies in Kampala.
But party spokesman Kenneth Kakande on Friday distanced the party from the group, describing it as unconstitutional.
“We can’t base our politics on militias. It’s unconstitutional. DP is a law-abiding party that cannot form torturous groups,†Kakande said.
Kayihura said the Police were investigating the squad’s actions and would prosecute its members.
“We cannot tolerate any Kiboko Squad-like groups. I’m cautioning whoever is planning this group that we shall deal with them,†he said.
The IGP also regretted what happened to FDC president Col. Kizza Besigye and his group when they were recently attacked by the squad.