Police, army woo  Kisekka market traders to shun riots

The top commanders for Kampala Metropolitan Police and Military police have met leaders and businessmen in Kisekka market, the Nile Post has learnt.

Kisekka market has for number of years been the epitome of riots in the city and the latest being the #FreeBobiWine protests.

In the latest protests, traders set bonfires in the middle of the roads blocking them which prompted police and the military to swing into action and fire live bullets and teargas to quell the riots.

On Thursday Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander CP. Moses Kafeero Kabugo accompanied by Col. William Bainomugisha, the Military Police commander met leaders at Emerald Hotel to brainstorm on how to solve the problem of riots in the market.

In his address, Kafeero stressed the need to work together to develop ideas which deal not only with the symptoms of the riots but with the deep-seated causes of dissatisfaction that lay beneath.

“Riots not only laws but also have a negative impact on the economy. Burning of tyres destroys roads and can lead to arson on your businesses and a lot of money is lost,”Kafeero said.

Since November 2017, over 200 people have been arrested during riots in the city and according to police, most of the people who participate in these acts  are organised criminals whose aim in to benefit from the riots through looting and other criminal acts.

The Kampala Metropolitan police commander said the force has started on a journey of reviewing their approach towards riots including community engagements.

Military Police commander, Col. Bainomugisha urged the locals that  whereas security is mandate of security agencies like police, it is  everyone’s to ensure they are safe and secure.

"Everyone has a stake in ensuring security in our country," Col. Bainomugisha said before urging them to support security agencies and also be vigilant.

Last week, Brig. Abel Kandiho, the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence was put under a tight spot by traders in Kisekka market who were rioting over MPs Bobi Wine and Francis Zaake’s re-arrest at the airport as they flew out of the country for further treatment

As Kandiho tried to get a briefing on the situation from security operatives, the crowd that had gathered around him could not allow him continue with his mission.

The traders demanded that the duo be released to go for specialized treatment abroad.