Security warns on militia groups by political candidates.

By; Ben Musanje

10^th Nov. 2020

Security officials and analysts have cautioned political parties and individual candidates against forming ‘militia’ or ‘vigilante’ groups because they have potential of causing violence and precipitating disaster during the electoral process.

The ruling National Resistance Movement -NRM recently unveiled Karate team of 200 members who demonstrated their tactics at Nakivubo Blue Primary School in Kampala. Their ‘field commander’ Ramathan Hatibu said 200 members are also tasked to train others purposely to fight violence and protect NRM votes.

A week after NRM’s Taekwondo group was launched, another group dubbed The National Red Command was launched in Mbarara. The youths said their group is more than ready to protect votes of People Power movement but also counter violence that will be meted out by rival party ‘gangs’.

Earlier on, Rubaga South MP candidate Habibu Buwembo and Dr Stella Nyanzi, who is vying for Kampala Woman MP unveiled a youth group which they said would jealously guard their votes.

Kawempe South MP, Mubarak Munyagwa, has also rejuvenated his Red Top brigade.

However the Police spokesperson Fred Enanga has said politicians should not be tempted to involve ‘militia’ groups because the police force which is mandated to take lead in ensuring peaceful electoral process have not failed their enshrined duties adding that it is the reason they are recruiting an additional 50,000 Special Police Constables.