President Yoweri Museveni yesterday evening officially spoke about the recent riots that happened across the country following the arrest of presidential candidates Kyagulanyi Robert Sentamu alias Bobi Wine and FDC’s Patrick Amuriat Oboi.
Museveni said Uganda as a country belongs to each and every one of us and that should be respected and upheld. He said government has created a very powerful and organised army that has kept peace both home and abroad.
According to Museveni, in spite of the weakness of the police that allows impunity of lawlessness to persist, the overall security posture of Uganda is robust and that is where people (like these rioters) make miscalculations.
“You will be defeated,” Museveni said before adding that; “You are not doing anyone a favour to keep the law.”
The President admitted that the Police and Army do mistakes but he’s always the first to condemn them when they do so. However, he said those who misdirect the young people to cause violence are enemies of Uganda.
Museveni said that no individual is above the law in Uganda.
“If Hon Kyagulanyi (Robert) was arrested, his supporters should have waited for him to go to court like he eventually did. The feeling that Kyagulanyi is untouchable because he is a politician and prompts people to riot must NEVER be repeated,” he said.
On behalf of government, Museveni sent condolences to Ugandans that lost their relatives in the ‘’senseless riots. He said government will compensate those who lost their lives and properties.
“But we shall not compensate those who died and were rioters, NO WAY,” he said.
According to the police report on the recent riots, a total of 54 people died. And 32 of the 54 who died were rioters.