The Uganda Police Force has finally come out to comment about its anti – riot intervention methods following yesterday’s incident at Kyambogo University that left Abraham Kansiime’s right hand ripped off by a teargas canister during the students’ strike against tuition policy.
According to Police, Kansiime picked up the canister and tried to throw it back at police officers before it exploded in his hand during the process. The injured student was rushed to Kyambogo University Medical Centre, and later transported to Nsambya Hospital for further treatment.
The Police Chief Political Commissar, Allan Kasingye, who was speaking to the press about the incident today morning noted that the force usually has limited choices in cases of riots.
“We all have a responsibility of improving society and how it’s managed. I too don’t believe in tear gas. But world over, its used in public demonstrations. Anyone with a better alternative is welcome” Kasingye said.
Kasigye added that it is unfortunate that launching teargas has only one method, which is use of canisters. “Unfortunately that’s the only means tear gas is launched. Remember, it’s gas. How else do you preserve gas and release it several meters away, if not by canisters?” Kasingye added.
In a bid to reduce such incidents, Kasingye says there is need to exploit peaceful means of addressing these problems like having such measures led by the university administration, so that security organs do not intervene.
The protest was against a new fees policy in which students are required to clear all dues within the first 12 weeks of the semester or take a dead year.
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