By Ruth Sierra

Yoweri Museveni the President of Uganda has ordered deployment of army sharp shooters and the purchase of escort cars for MPs’ protection in his letter to Minister of Finance Matia Kasaijja.

This came in shortly after Members of Parliament raised concerns over threats of insecurity particularly, a concern raised by Gulu municipality MP, Hon. Lyandro Komakech during the sitting on Wednesday, 11 July 2018. “There have been messages on social media threatening that on the 17th of this month, there is going to be an attack,” Hon. Komakech said.

Hon. Komakech told Ministry of Defence to present a statement on the state of security in the country

“The Members of Parliament have been singled out for intimidation and possibly attack also. I have, therefore, decided to protect the Members of Parliament,” said Museveni. This seems like a response to assassinations of high profile individuals, the recent one being Arua municipality MP Ibrahim Abiriga.

It should be noted that alternative measures such as installation of the CCTV cameras, registering of sim cards using national IDs among others were sighted in order to curb crime. These measures were introduced after the assassination of AIGP Andrew Felix Kaweesi, Sheik Maj. Mohammed and other Muslim sheiks.

Museveni also noted that, “The Members of Parliament already have some Police guards. Those will stay with them. I will, however, add two other elements: the sharp shooters of the army and follow up pickup trucks.” He concluded by telling Minister of Finance, “Act fast. I thank you and I expect speed.”

Museveni said the UPDF sharp-shooters will get personal body armor and helmets that are bullet proof.

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