THE minister of state for youth has praised the State initiative of using Kiboko in dispersing demonstrators, rioters and people striking along the city streets.

Maj. James Kinobe said he strongly supports Kiboko in dispersing demonstrators than using teargas. "Teargas spills into offices to inconvenience even non partisans in the demonstration yet Kiboko hits only those involved in the trouble on the streets," Maj. Kinobe said.

The minister made the remarks at the closing of a one day workshop on peace, reconciliation and defence for human rights in Uganda on Friday.

The workshop was organised by two non government organisations; Youth Revival Association and Horizon 3000 to empower the young people working with humanitarian organisations in northern Uganda.

Minister Kinobe comes second to praise a widely criticised act by state agencies of using caning people to coerce them.

President Yoweri Museveni praised the Kiboko squad saying they were civilians who wanted peace in Kampala.

Last month plain clothed men with sticks stormed the city and lashed at people who were passing by the Constitutional Square during the demonstration of the proposed government give away of Mabira forest to Scoul.