Police warned against disrupting ‘O’ level exams
By Sharon Tibenda
17th Oct 2011:
Warned by A4C! Police Chief Kale Kayihura
Activists for Change [A4C], the political pressure group behind the famous ‘walk-to-work’ protest campaign that rocked the country early this year, has warned the Uganda Police Force against using excessive and unlawful force that could disrupt the national ‘O’ level exams that kick off today.
In a 15th October letter to the Inspector General of Police [IGP] Major General Kale Kayihura, A4C National Coordinator Mathias Mpuuga, who is also the Masaka Municipality MP, reminded Kayihura that ‘O’ level students will be beginning their exams on Monday 17th October, which coincides with the start of the ‘walk-to-work’ week.
“…We are anxious to ensure that they [‘O’ level students] start and complete their exams successfully. We recall with regret the incidents during the last Walk to Work campaign, when police unleashed terror against innocent school children in classes and schools. It will be in the interest of all concerned that law and order are observed strictly during the ‘walk-to-work’ week”, Mpuuga said.
Because of their fear of known police brutally, A4C also urged the police to desist from using tear gas, rubber and live ammunition against walkers who will include students going to schools to sit their exams. Mpuuga said the students are already under academic pressure and do not need the extra anxiety that may be caused by trigger-happy security officers.
The A4C coordinator also assured the public that ‘walk-to-work’ activists will only be engaged in walking from their places of residence to their places of work. There will be no public assemblies or rallies until Saturday October 22nd, when all A4C leaders, activists, and the general public will converge at Kololo Airstrip for a rally.
A4C also encouraged both students and the general public to peacefully participate in the ‘walk-to-work’ campaign. “…We encourage students to wake up early, walk to school and be part of the campaign for change. We urge members of the public to participate peacefully in this exercise and ensure that they observe law and order”, Mpuuga said in a press statement seen by this newspaper.
As they have always maintained, the organisers of this second phase of ‘walk-to-work’ also reiterated their commitment nonviolent activities. END. Please login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories and anytime mid-week for our news updates.
