Uganda becoming a police state, says Bukenya

Uganda, Parliament. 

Former vice president Gilbert Bukenya yesterday told fellow MPs that Uganda is becoming a police state.

Prof Bukenya (Busiro North) was contributing to an issue raised by Bukoto South MP, Mathias Nsubuga. Mr Nsubuga wanted government to explain the use of teargas against Democratic Party supporters who were celebrating the nomination of DP candidate, Brenda Nabukenya in the coming by-election for Luweero Woman seat. 

“It is a sign of hard times ahead,” he said. “If we continue this way, we will be going into a police state.

“When I get nominated, I go around my constituency to mobilise,” Prof Bukenya said.

Ever since being dropped as vice president, Prof Bukenya has been critical of “government excesses”. 

Junior Internal Affairs minister James Baba said he was not aware of the teargas incident but promised to make a statement to Parliament before Thursday.

The Incident

Anti-riot police fired tear gas and dispersed opposition politicians who had gone to witness Ms Nabukenya’s nomination an act the opposition party DP has condemned. Those who were dispersed include former FDC president Dr Kizza Besigye, former DP leaders Ssebana Kizito and Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere. LOP, Wafula Oguttu and FDC president Maj Gen Mugisha Muntu.

Daily Monitor: