The Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) has defended its participation in last Thursday's protest against the planned giveaway of part of Mabira Forest and condemned the violence.

"We had joined the demonstrations because we were concerned, just like any other Ugandan, that the Government was giving away a priceless item," the association chairman, Livingstone Zziwa, told a press conference on Saturday.

"We are opposed to violence as a community because it is our traders who suffer most. That is why we wrote to the Police, requesting them to ban rallies at the Central business district," added vice-chairman Evaristo Kayondo.

He said it was wrong for anyone to claim the association harboured ill feelings against the Indian community and fanned the riots. "We co-exist happily and we have never had problems."

The organisation defended their publicity secretary, Issa Sekito, who was arrested by the Police on Friday. "We think that facts speak for themselves as Sekito was in the demonstration in his position as the publicity secretary for a peaceful demonstration. We are also certain that the facts will exonerate Sekito," a press statement read.

Zziwa said according to the summons, Sekito had to answer charges of inciting the masses, not murder.

"The general assembly will be meeting on Tuesday to review what action to take in case the charges of murder stand," he said when asked what action KACITA planned to take.