Uganda’s President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has supported the use of batons by police to beat up those demonstrating illegally.
He however cautioned that police should not beat innocent people.
Museveni, who was closing a retreat of cabinet and state ministers at Leadership institute at Kyankwanzi in central Uganda, said that beating up demonstrators using batons is allowed in Uganda’s constitution.
Museveni said: ”I do not support police brutality against civilians. But I also do not support civilians’ indiscipline. Using batons against undisciplined civilians is one of the ways police can restore order.”
He said other means are using water cannons and tear gas.
His comments come at a time when over 10 policemen are undergoing trial for beating up civilians who were welcoming FDC leader Kizza Besigye from prison three weeks ago.
Some civil society organizations have condemned Museveni’s stand on police brutality, saying it will force civilians to retaliate.
Andrew Olya, the director of ‘Free Ugandans’ said, ”It is unfortunate that our President is supporting police beating up innocent civilians. That can in future lead to civilians also to picking up sticks and beat up policemen during riots.”
Some of the victims of police brutality have sued the Inspector General of police for instructing policemen to beat them.
