Museveni asks terrorists to surrender or risk death

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | President Yoweri Museveni has called upon terrorists to surrender to security before they come for them.

Museveni says his security forces will not hesitate to shoot and kill anybody suspected of engaging in terrorism as long as they try to resist arrest.

This comes less than a week after security forces shot and killed four people suspected to have been involved in the attack on Gen. Katumba Wamala, the Minister of Works, which claimed the life of his daughter and driver.

Museveni was speaking Thursday at Kololo Ceremonial grounds at the swearing-in of ministers who missed the first ceremony after they or their relatives tested positive for coronavirus. It should be recalled that the constitution prohibits unless in self-defence, the willful killing of anybody accused of any crime unless they have been tried and sentenced by a competent court of law.

The 1995 constitution says anybody accused of any crime is assumed innocent until proven or he/she pleads guilty. Museveni has also ordered security to arrest anybody who spreads fake news on social media alleging that he is dead. Museveni said he was surprised when people swarmed his car on his way to Matugga in Wakiso district on Tuesday to lay foundation stone for the construction of a vaccine factory to confirm whether he was still alive.

On Tuesday, the senior presidential press secretary, Lindah Nabusayi asked the Uganda Communications Commission to investigate the authors of the news declaring Museveni dead.

“The President announced a total lockdown and therefore cut down on his public engagements. Most of his work has been through virtual meetings, radio and televisions. Those creating unnecessary fear and panic among the public by spreading fake news are criminals, intent on causing havoc. UCC should investigate social media abuse and take action,” Nabusayi said in a statement.

She added that Museveni was safe and carrying on his duties scientifically. “Please don’t believe everything you see or read on social media,” she said.

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