Museveni vows to fight urban crime, lambasts men battering their women

President Museveni has vowed to put a stop to the increasing   crime in urban areas. The President in his International Women's day national celebrations in Mityana said government will defeat what he called a wave of urban terrorism.

The celebrations at Busubbuzi Core Teachers Training College attracted several government dignitaries, diplomats and women from all walks of life.

Retired General Museveni said government defeated rebels before and will also defeat criminals in urban areas.

"We are being challenged by criminals who are murdering, kidnapping and raping women in urban areas. But we shall defeat them. Crime is going to be defeated in urban areas the same way we defeated rebel groups in rural areas."

President Museveni this week dropped long- serving Inspector General Of Police, Edward Kale Kayihura and Security Ministry, Henry Tumukunde in a move viewed as his effort to reorganize the police and security services.

Museveni appointed Martin Okoth Ochola as new Inspector General Of Police. He also appointed, General Elly Tumwine as Security Minister.

The President hinted of the fact that the Uganda Police Force had been infiltrated by what he called weevils. He said the "weevils" or Kawukumi"had hurt operations of the police. There have been complaints that the Police under General Kale Kayihura had a number of militia groups that had turned into criminals.

He said  some of the suspects in the Masaka/ Bukomasimbi murders during last Christmas were arrested but surprising some of them escaped while the prison warders were dosing. He said he made it clear that the prisoners that escaped  must be arrested.

Museveni said most of those involved in Entebbe women murders were arrested. He however said he was not aware about arrests about the Joan Kagezi murderers and some of those involved in the murder of Muslim clerics.

Museven's purge of the Police and Security Ministry followed the gruesome murder of Susan Magara who had been held hostage for twenty days and later murdered.

Museveni ridiculed offices of the law that are making it hard for criminals to be apprehended. He mentioned the weakness within the police force and the courts of law that have according to him led to the release of criminals.

The president's remarks came after members of the Women's council asked government and its agencies s to take action against the increasing number of crimes in urban areas that are targeting women.

Museveni said the security had already arrested some of the suspects behind some of the killings. "We are going to strengthen security in town to put a stop to people who are kidnapping people and asking for money." Said Museveni

He blamed the increasing population in urban areas for the high crime rate in urban areas,.

"We have many cars, boda bodas and phones because of the many people living in urban areas and this has made it hard to stop crime." Said Museveni

He promised to increase the level of surveillance in urban areas by installing CCTV cameras among others.

Incoming Security Minister, General Ely Tumwine said security forces have the capacity to deal with the insecurity in the country and promised to deal with the criminals.

"We have capacity to deal with the insecurity and we shall defeat it. It will improve because we have gone through the difficulties and different challenges and the challenge of insecurity will be finished off when we focus our energy towards it."

This year' women's day celebrations were attended by over 100 members of parliament and 23 members of cabinet. A total of 148 women received medals for their service to the country.

The president directed local government leaders to desist from what he called petty takes against women and other petty traders.

Violence Against Women

Museveni said men who beat up their wives are stupid and cowards. He said if men want to fight they should look for fellow men. Museveni said he has been in marriage with Janet for fifty eyars but he has never beaten or pushed her. He wondered why men are beating Adam's daughters.

He blamed women for failure to report men that subject them to violence. Museveni said even cows are not supposed to be battered.