The Internal Affairs Minister, Gen Kahinda Otafiire has warned the newly appointed Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba against targeting the opposition.
“You are law enforcement officers. Those who force us to follow the law cant be law breakers. You might not like the law but enforce it as it is .Don’t go about beating Kyagulanyi or Besigye and those in opposition. Don’t beat them for their opposite ideas . Contain them for behaving unprofessional conduct unfit for public convenience,”Otafiire said.
He was speaking as the new IGP took over office.
According to Otafiire, the police should not take the opposition as enemies of the country since they operate legally and are within the constitution.
“These political parties are legitimate and are in the constitution. We didn’t like this business of multipartyism but Ugandans went into referendum and said they like it and it is in the constitution. Whether I like it or not, I have to respect it because that is the law.”
“Tell them, no to come to the markets or streets. Don’t inconvenience others. For you are going to the rally and I am going for trade. If these fellows doing politics are having their liberty, let them not inconvenience our daily struggle to exist. As police officers, your job is to enforce the law to the latter. Don’t beat the opposition but deal with errant citizens. There is a difference. Dont beat opposition to bring a bad name to us as government. Stick to the law. Don’t go beyond the law.”
Minister Otafiire also cautioned the opposition against going far while exercising their political rights.
“For the opposition, when you want to do demonstrations, it is legitimate but if you want to do riots, we will also become riotous. Demonstrate but don’t riot.”
