Fellow Ugandans,

I greet all of you.

I am addressing you on the demonstration organised by Hon. Beatrice Atim, Woman MP for Kitgum and, apparently, supported by some groups like KACITA. The Police had granted permission to the organisers to hold "a peaceful" demonstration.

We have been advising those who want to express their opinions through public manifestations, such as demonstrations, to do so by holding rallies on spots that do not interfere with business, traffic or the freedom of travellers and by-standers. Such places are available.

One of them is Kololo airstrip. Some of the groups have, however, been trying to ignore this advice and they insist on demonstrating through very busy streets that are already congested with traffic and pedestrians.

Regarding the incident of yesterday, the organizers of the demonstration had assured the Police that they will hold a "peaceful" demonstration. It was on that understanding that the Police allowed them to demonstrate but using certain streets designated by the Police, avoiding the very busy Kampala Road.

The demonstrators, however, did not stick to the agreement with the Police. Instead of following the designated routes, they wanted to go through Kampala Road.

The Police stopped them. Then, they started attacking people of Indian and Chinese origin, burning cars and attacking shops.

To attack, insult or damage the property of any Ugandan or guests of Uganda is something the NRM Government will not tolerate. Indeed, the incident of yesterday, when 3 people died and some enemies of Uganda singled out guests of the Country for demonisation should serve as a lesson to the external groups that keep trying to defend the activities of such people who do not want to follow the law.

Anyway, as far as Uganda and the NRM are concerned, I want to express condolences to the families of the people who died yesterday; to assure Ugandans that such hooliganism will not be allowed to happen again; and to warn those that do not want to follow the law that they will pay heavily.

The Armed Forces, the Police and the Intelligence Services, supported by the peace-loving Ugandans, will ensure social order.

Some 9 people were arrested following yesterday's incident and more will be arrested. I have been informed by the Police that some will be charged with criminal charges connected with malicious damage to property and murder. Fortunately, these criminals were seen and, even, filmed.

The Government is also looking into the possibility of gazetting designated areas for public gatherings as public gathering places in major towns. I have already told our lawyers to look into that issue of how Government could gazette certain areas in major towns as public gathering spots. Once the lawyers have advised me of how that can be done, nobody will be allowed to demonstrate or hold public meetings outside those spots.

I want, in particular, to warn the NGOs from outside that are in the habit of teaming up with the undemocratic forces that wreaked so much havoc in Uganda, until they were defeated by the NRM, who are now pretending to be democrats. If one is a democrat, why not demonstrate against the atrocities of Kony instead of demonstrating against "Indians" and "foreigners"? Ugandans need "foreigners" to develop our Country.

They bring their savings here, their technology, their management skills and buy what we produce (coffee, textiles, fish, skins and hides, milk products, etc.). Others come here as tourists and bring money. We, ourselves, go abroad for medical treatment, for business, for study and for kyeyo. How can anybody claim to be pro-Uganda and be anti-foreigners who are contributing to our prosperity?

If there is some leakage in the immigration Department regarding low-skilled immigrants that can be addressed legally. Indeed, in the last budget we introduced a higher fee for work permits - US$ 1,000. It is going to bring into Uganda shillings 8.2 billion (instead of 2.9 billion, which used to be collected before we increased fees for a work permit).

How would we feel if our people who go to Dubai, Japan, the USA, etc., were attacked and stoned to death? Anyway, whatever opinions we have about any subject, must be expressed peacefully. This is a must. Nobody has a right to use violence against any other Ugandan or visitors to Uganda or their properties.

Finally, I want to warn radios, TV stations and newspapers that inciting violence using their assets will not be tolerated.

I thank you and I assure you that the NRM will guard, as always, social peace.

Yoweri K. Museveni

PRESIDENT

12 April 2007

Nakasero