President Museveni has warned political leaders against inciting violence during the forthcoming elections, saying they will be dealt with according to the law.

Speaking yesterday in Entebbe during the national conference on prevention of conflict during elections, Mr Museveni called on the police, Judiciary and the Directorate of Public Prosecution to handle errant politicians promptly.

"Why don't you (politicians) hold your gatherings in places where there are no people's property? You must respect the right of the population. In fact we are going to be very strict with political actors who only intend to gather many people in busy centres to disrupt business," said President Museveni.

Mr Museveni's response followed the concern raised by Mr Emmanuel Tumusiime, the chairman of Forum for Integrity in Leadership party, about the notorious Kiboko Squad that is now known for whipping opposition demonstrators.

Kayihura response

Inspector General of Police, Maj Gen Kale Kayihura, who the President asked to explain the operations of the Kiboko Squad alongside the police, said it is because of illegal demonstrations in towns that force business people resort to deploying their own security to protect their property that end up caning unruly demonstrators.

President Museveni thus cautioned police officers against allowing illegal security operatives to work in their midst, prompting Gen Kayihura to pronounce that any police officer who operates alongside the group shall face disciplinary action.