The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) has expressed its readiness to offer reinforcement in quelling Opposition demonstrations that threaten to get out of hand in different parts of the country.
UPDF Chief, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima (NV)
The announcement follows a wave of clashes between the Police and opposition demonstrators of the Inter-party coalition who are calling for the re- constitution of the Uganda Electoral Commission.
The commander of Uganda army, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima says the country’s army is ready to join the Police once it asks for assistance in dealing with rioters.
He has advised disgruntled people to use appropriate channels as prescribed by the constitution to sound their grievances other than disturbing business and causing unrest. Gen Aronda Nyakairima was today speaking during at a function where several UPDF officers were promoted to different ranks.
The state minister for Defence Jeje Odongo was among other officers promoted from the rank of Maj. General to General and retired.
In September last year the army was deployed to stop riots in the city and it left 27 people dead, scores injured and property worth millions of shillings lost.
Speaking at the same function held at Mbuya military barracks in Kampala district, the defence minister Isaac Musumba blamed the endless demonstrations on politicians who do not understand the true meaning of multi-party democracy.