Uganda police defend importation of armored vehicles ahead of polls

Uganda police defend importation of armored vehicles ahead of polls

Uganda police have refuted claims that the importation of armored vehicles is a public gimmick aimed at intimidating the opposition ahead of the February 18th, 2016 presidential elections.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Polly Namaye said Ugandans should not be worried by the importation of police vehicles among other weaponry saying they are meant to protect the country and its citizens from ill-intentioned individuals.

“We have prepared overtime for the elections, we have had capacity building sessions and we have done training and procurement on order to ensure our mandate to protect Ugandans is fulfilled,” she said.

“The police are exercising restrain in the use of full force whether necessary and unnecessary because Ugandans are known to be peaceful people.”

She said the police vehicles that appeared on the media have been in the procurement process for some time adding that there was more than what was seen.

“The police vehicles that were shown in the media are merely aimed at just helping prevent activities of the people who would want to disrupt peace during the election,” said Namaye during an interview with NTV Uganda.

The vehicles, which feature water cannons, riot controls and wedged front plows, caused a stir last week when they were spotted at the Port of Mombasa.

Her sentiments came as President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni called on Ugandans to observe peace during the polls saying the government will not condone acts of violence.

In his rally over the weekend, Museveni said his government has maintained peace for the many it has been in existence noting that security measure have been put in place to maintain security.

Museveni, who is running for his fifth term, will face off tough competition from his closest long-time rival Kizza Besigye and former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi.

Other candidates in the race are former Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof Venansius Baryamureeba, Pastor Joseph Mabirizi, Bwanika Abed, Maureen Kyala and Benon Biraaro.

Over 15.2 million registered voters are set to take part in picking their next president on February 18 in what has been touted as the fiercest battle ever witnessed in Uganda’s elections.

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yoweri museveni Uganda Decides Kizza Besigye Amama Mbabazi

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