Police has said its continued presence at the home of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) four time presidential candidate Col (rtd) Dr Kizza Besigye, is to avert chaos.
Addressing journalists at police headquarters in Naguru, the Head of Interpol Asan Kasingye, who read a statement on behalf of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) General Kale Kayihura, said the circumstances surrounding the continued close monitoring of the movements and activities of Besigye by the Police since Monday, February 15 to date lie squarely on the FDC flag bearer and his ‘indisciplined’ supporters.
In the lengthy statement detailing Dr Besigye’s ‘transgressions’ among them, storming a ‘security facility’ in Naguru; defying police orders regarding processions in the city centre; trying to announce election results, Kayihura also described as biased and unfair, criticism of the police.
“There is continued campaign of distorted information, speculations, biased and unfounded as well as unfair criticism of Police actions, as well as outright lies regarding the handling of Kizza Besigye by the Uganda Police,” the IGP said.
He added: “Indeed, contrary to propaganda in the media, in all our actions, police have acted lawfully, professionally, conducted ourselves with utmost restraint in the face of incredible provocation.”
He cited a case of the violent assault by two foreign journalists on the DPC, Kasangati, who, he said, in spite of the attacks, kept cool and calm demeanor, ‘and by his conduct actually disproved the unacceptable insults they were hurling at him’. The police boss added that police is reviewing the video footage of that incident, after which appropriate action will be taken.
The IGP also talked about an incident in Wandegeya where one of Dr Besigye’s supporters was killed, and also another one where the presidential candidate stormed a house in Naguru that was reportedly being used by police officers to tinker with the election results. According to police, the claims by Dr Kiiza Besigye were clearly meant to discredit the electoral process, cause confusion, and incite and enrage the public into violence which prompted police to escort Besigye to his house in Kasangati.
‘Besigye and a group of his supporters stormed and trespassed on security premises in Naguru, and under the supervision of Rtd Col Dr. Kiiza Besigye, a senior Police Officer was assaulted and tortured by mob action’.
“Clearly, therefore, the Police actions regarding Rtd Col Dr Kizza Besigye are justifiable both in law and in fact We have a duty to protect the people and their property, and ensure there is law and order in this country,” said Kayihura.
