By Stephen Kalema
Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) has come out to defend the heavy deployment of soldiers in Kampala and Wakiso districts, saying there is no reason for panic.
This, after Forum for Democratic Change spokesman Ssumujju Nganda questioned why there were soldiers everywhere.
“It’s only in Uganda where the military does the work of the police such as keeping law and order. It looks like we are headed in times of curfew,” Ssemujju said at FDC headquarters in Najjanankumbi.
However UPDF spokesman Brig. Richard Karemire when contacted, said the deployment of the army is to provide an extra hand to the Uganda Police Force and locals should not fear.
“We are not doing anything to threaten the public but this is to protect them and their property yet most politicians are asserting that there is a curfew. There is no such thing (as curfew) we are only doubling our security,” said Brig. Karemire.
Earlier, Ssemujju had demanded that the Ministry of Defence explains the deployment of army in the city.
However, Karemire said UPDF has always been providing help to support police in protecting and spotting criminal porches in any part of the country.
This deployment started last week in two districts Mukono and Wakiso.
A Uganda Police Force officer, who preferred anonymity told Watchdog Uganda that the intelligence department abstained reports on planned crimes organised to burn police stations and private residences during Christmas festive seasons.
“This is why we needed army to help us in this upcoming festive seasons,” the informant said.
“We are just trying to address criminality by cooperating with police in all operations we carry out.”
However, Ivan Kakembo, a chapati maker in Kirombe, Luzira expressed his worries when contacted him about the heavy deployment in his area.
“These are not soldiers I used to know but they are beating machines. Truth is we no longer work trans night.”
Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at editorial@watchdoguganda.com
