The Minister for Internal Affairs Rtd. Gen Kahinda Otaffire has warned police chiefs to stop beating up opposition leaders Especially NUP President Hon Robert Kyagulanyi and former FDC President Dr Kiiza Besigye during their political demonstrations.
The tough Minister issued warning yesterday Tuesday while presiding over the hand over and takeover of new police Chiefs at police headquarters in Naguru.
Recently President Museveni appointed former Counter Terrorism Chief Abas Byakagaba as the New IGP replacing Martin Okoth Ochola.
The President also appointed James Ochaya former Director Research and Planning as Deputy IGP replacing Maj. Gen Tumusiime Katsigazi who was sent back to UPDF for redeployment.
Gen Otafiire who was very Frank told police officers how they have become law breakers and enforce law on others.
“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.
He added that political parties are there by law. “Do not beat Opposition leaders but rather beat bad characters and bad conduct,” Says Gen Otafiire.
“Demonstrations are provided with in the Constitution and you should not deny them their rights but guide them with in the law,” Sounds Otafiire.
He says if Kyagulanyi wants to go to Jinja don’t stop him but escort him to where he is supposed to be.
“Don’t allow them to go our schools, markets but taken them to play grounds and allow them do their activities and after they will go home,” He says.
He says as Government they are not harassing the opposition because they don’t want to break the law.
“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 added that by working as a joint team together with the population crime will be wiped out.
“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.
