“Don’t Beat Bobi Wine And Besigye During Their Campaigns Or Protests” Minister Otafiire Warns New IGP

The Minister for Internal Affairs, Retired General Kahinda Otaffire, has cautioned police chiefs against assaulting opposition figures, particularly National Unity Platform (NUP) President Hon Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Alias Bobi Wine and former FDC President Dr. Kiiza Besigye, during their political protests.

This stern warning was delivered on Tuesday during the transition of new police chiefs at the police headquarters in Naguru. Recently, President Museveni appointed former Counter Terrorism Chief Abas Byakagaba as the new Inspector General of Police, replacing Martin Okoth Ochola.

Additionally, James Ochaya, former Director of Research and Planning, was appointed as Deputy IGP, replacing Maj. Gen. Tumusiime Katsigazi, who was redeployed to the UPDF. Gen. Otaffire candidly addressed police officers, highlighting their deviation from the law and emphasizing the need to uphold the law while dealing with political demonstrations.

He stressed that while political parties are recognized by law, opposition leaders should not be subjected to physical harm during protests; instead, law enforcement should focus on addressing misconduct and unlawful behavior.

“Do not beat Opposition leaders Kyagulanyi and Besigye during their political demonstrations because by doing so you will be breaking the laws,” Says Gen Otafiire adding that police should contain them within the law.

Gen. Otaffire underscored the constitutional right to peaceful demonstrations, urging police to facilitate rather than impede such activities within the bounds of the law. He advocated for providing appropriate venues for demonstrations, ensuring they do not disrupt essential services or public spaces.

The Minister emphasized that the government’s objective is not to suppress opposition voices but to uphold the rule of law.

“Demonstrations are provided with in the Constitution and you should not Deny them their rights but guide them with in the law,” Sounds Otafiire.

“Just enforce the law but don’t beat Opposition,” he stresses.

General Otafiire also cautioned new IGP Abas Byakagaba to treat other chiefs equals but not mistreating them.”Treat all these people equally because they are all potential IGPs only that their time has not come,” Sounds Gen Otafiire.

He urged the new IGP, Abas Byakagaba, to treat all police chiefs equally and foster collaboration with the community to combat crime effectively. Gen. Otaffire emphasized the importance of gaining public trust and making informed decisions promptly.

“If you want to fight crime just win the hearts and minds of the population,” Otafiire tells IGP Byakagaba.

He advised IGP to always make timely and correct decisions.Regarding police accommodation, he urged swift completion of housing projects and instructed relevant officials to expedite the process.

Gen David Muhoozi who also attended the function urged New IGP Byakagaba to fight corruption and bribery which is still a problem within the force.

“The President appointed you to head the force so don’t disappoint him. Make sure you wipe out corruption in police.”

He also urged the new police leaders to start where army stopped .He also emphasised on discipline and training in the force.

” Don’t allow impunity in the force, when an officer does wrong make sure the law gets with him or her,” Says Gen Muhoozi.

The out going DIGP who also acted as IGP General Katsigazi says he left very many challenges in the force which asked the new IGP to tackle to make the force move on well.

“Police operates on inadequate budget which has hindered most of the operations of the force,” Says Gen Katsigazi adding on top of little budget there is lack of human resource.”

We are recruiting the new officers not to add on human resource but to replace those who deserted due to poor living conditions,” He says.

He added that police needs more man power to handle crime in the Country. He also revealed that police uses old vehicles which can not handle speedy operations.