There has been reports that police is using expired tear gas to disperse masses at the ongoing campaigns. The gas has been linked to severe respiratory illnesses, miscarriages, blindness and even fatalities among other effects.
Speaking after police top leadership met with the Religious leaders under their joint organization, the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) yesterday, Political Commissar in the Uganda Police, AIGP Afande Asan Kasingye disputed the narrative saying police values Ugandans and the tear gas they use goes through all necessary procedures before its approved for usage.
“Before it is used here, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards must go and check the proper quantities etc,” Kasingye said.
He said that tear gas is internationally accepted as a non-lethal weapon to disperse crowds.
While in the meeting, religious leaders raised concern to police over what they call poor treatment of Opposition political candidates as they go about their campaigns.
In other developments, the Inter Religious council of Uganda suspended the first session of the presidential debate that was scheduled for December 4 and 5. During a meeting, the Council’s president Arch Bishop Kazimba Mugalu said this is due to lack of time and resource constraints.