By Spy Uganda
Kampala: The new Deputy Inspector General of Police Maj Gen Paul Loketch has warned the general public and the country at large against violence during and after elections saying the security has been tightened to handle any kind of violence that may arise thus assuring Ugandans of peace during the festive season as well as during elections and thereafter.
Loketch made the remarks during his first security briefing on Thursday since he took over office from Maj Gen Sabiiti Muzeeyi at Police headquarters in Naguru noting that a peaceful election requires a partnership between law enforcement body and the population.
Gen Loketch said the country remains calm as people celebrate Christmas adding that police and sister security agencies are also preparing to have a peaceful general election slated for January 14 and ensure they are capable of protecting the lives and property of the people of Uganda.
“Of course, we shall have other challenges but I would like to assure all Ugandans that we are going to have peaceful elections, I would like to also assure Ugandans that even after elections, Uganda will still be peaceful, so this is actually my message to everybody,” Loketch said.
“I have just been to the job just three days ago and I am trying to internalize the challenges at hand that my job comes with but I know with the cooperation of everybody we can always do the best to ensure that there’s security for everybody in the country,” he added
Loketch further warned various political candidates especially presidential candidates against violating the laws and guidelines put in place by the Electoral Commission and Ministry of Health in regards to campaigns during the pandemic adding that all persons contesting for the presidency should at all times lead by example since they are presidents in waiting.
Gen.Lockech noted that violations of these guidelines will lead to firm responses by the law enforcement body since no one is above the law urging presidential candidates to stop holding campaign rallies or they will be stopped by security.
”It is a violation of the Campaign Guidelines for a candidate and his/her agents to mobilize or encourage supporters to gather at campaign venues in large numbers as it contravenes with the Public Health (Control of COVID-19) (Amendment No.3) Rules, 2020, issued on 9th November 2020, which states that gatherings for purposes of political meetings should not exceed two hundred (200) persons” he noted
Loketch strongly warned members of the public who are fond of attacking and provoking security personnel that they will not be spared during his tenure at the law enforcement body.
